Groove Korea 2020 April by GROOVEKOREA

web VERSION available!

IN THIS ISSUE

issuu.com/groovekr

APRIL 2020

MORE ONLINE STORIES at

groovekorea.com Like and follow us

/groovekorea

COVER STORY

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL GUIDE 2020 A look inside the classrooms and unique programs at Koreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international schools

COMMUNITY

STORIES FROM OUR PAST Dulwich College Seoul brings Korea's past alive

COMMUNITY

PETCARE FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS Family-owned animal clinic provides 53 years of care

BEAUTY

EDITORS CHOICE: WINTER TO SPRING SHEET MASKS Top sheet masks to transition from winter to spring

10 54 56 58 66 72 78 82

MUSIC

BE THE ORIGINALS: BDEE AND OOFY DJ team hopes to bring originality to the scenethrough music

FASHION

SEOUL FASHION WEEK CANCELLED COVID-19 forces Korean fashion to change gears

FOOD & DRINK

LOST AND FOUND Bourbon bar by night, brunch house by (Sun)day

FOOD & DRINK

CAFE HUNTER: PENSEE CAFE IN YEONNAM-DONG A thought or reflection put in literary form

Sign up for our original WELLNESS program and make sure your pets stay healthy WELLNESS program offers free day-stay during business hours, basic care including nail clip and paw trim, priority reservations, WELLNESS pendants, and discounts on medical expenses including neutralization surgery

VACCINATIONS

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE (rabies vaccine)

SITE PARA OL R CONT

WELLNESS PROGRAM

P E R MA IDENTIF NENT ICA (MICRO TION CHIP)

hon angc Haeb

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1967

n ida ngr Kyu

Post office

Itaewon Animal Hospital LEXUS

Tel. 02. 797. 6677 Operation Hours: 9am – 6pm (Lunch 1pm – 2pm) Monday - Sunday Appointments required for grooming

Noksapyong Stn Line # 6

KOREA EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief

EMMA KALKA emma@groovekorea.com

Copy Editor

GIL COOMBE gil@groovekorea.com

Food & Drink

BECKY WHITE beckyw@groovekorea.com

Fashion

DIANNE PINEDA-KIM dianne@groovekorea.com

Travel

WENDY PALOMO wendy@groovekorea.com

Beauty

LORENA JIMÉNEZ lorena@groovekorea.com

Advertising

ads@groovekorea.com

General Inquiries

info@groovekorea.com

SPECIAL THANKS TO Dawn Stark, Grace Zimmerman, Sam Wigginton, Vanessa Allepuz, Joo Ha Park, Jane Forster, Jiseok Lim, Rowena Shek, Sophie Gee, Alex Shim and Juhie Suh

GRAPHIC DESIGN Design

CESS RODRIGUEZ rodriguez.cess@gmail.com

MEDIA CONTENTS CREATION Director

BECKY WHITE JOB FUENTES

PUBLISHER Publisher

SEAN CHOI sean@groovekorea.com

STAFF WRITERS / COLUMNISTS Amy Benham, Katie Martin, Jill Robbins, Jiaying Lim, Marley Herckner

To contribute to Groove Korea, email submissions@groovekorea.com or the appropriate editors. To have Groove Korea delivered to your home or business, email subscribe@groovekorea.com To promote and event or share your opinions, please email info@groovekorea.com or the appropriate editor. The articles are the sole property of GROOVE KOREA. No reproduction is permitted without the express written consent of GROOVE KOREA. The opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. © All rights reserved Groove Korea 2006

DISCOVER DWIGHT DISCOVER discover your spark of genius The Dwight School Seoul www.dwight.or.kr Phone: +82 2 6920 8600 Contact: admissions@dwight.or.kr

DWIGHT SCHOOL SEOUL 21 World Cup Buk-ro 62-gil Mapo-gu, Seoul

EXHIBITIONS

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrect Hangaram Art Museum Presents 150 works by Toulouse-Lautrec for the first time in Korea including posters, lithographs, drawings, sketches, illustrations, watercolors, photographs, videos, printed materials and takes audience to Paris in 19th century.

Monet to Cezanne: Impressionist and Post-impressionist,Master works from the Israel Museum, Jerusalem Hangaram Art Museum Presents 150 works by Toulouse-Lautrec for the first time in Korea including posters, lithographs, drawings, sketches, illustrations, watercolors, photographs, videos, printed materials and takes audience to Paris in 19th century.

EK Language Services Translation and Editing services

영어/스페인어/프랑스어 Achille Castiglioni and Brothers: Master of Italian Design Hangaram Art Museum Until April 26

Bologna Illustrators Exhibition 2019 Hangaram Art Museum February 6 – April 23

한글

English, French, and Spanish native speakers on 24/7 basis Affordable price Professional and Guaranteed Quality translations 24-Hour Turnaround 10+ years of experience

ekservices247@gmail.com

Partners with Hyundai Motors, Groove Korea, KIWI Chamber of Commerce, British Chamber of Commerce, Embassy of Finland, GS Shopping and more

COVER STORY

INTRO SUBHEAD

COVER STORY

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL GUIDE

2020

Every school declares their facilities as the hallowed halls of learning but it would be honest to admit that not every school can say they truly encompass the spirit of education in the full sense of the word; to support the growth of children into knowledgable and compassionate citizens, to foster the next generation. Seoul is no slouch in the education department. The city is saturated with schools and academies for scholastic pursuits. However, a handful of schools have added a unique touch to their curriculums that go beyond classroom smarts for their studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; well-being and full education; academic excellence goes without saying at these schools, so let us look beyond the black lettered grades into the more unique aspects. All schools mentioned are international schools in Korea, located in Seoul, Jeju and Busan.

Story and Photos BECKY WHITE

COVER STORY

Sports as a Lifestyle At Busan Foreign School, everyone is part of the team

ince 1996, Busan Foreign School has provided outstanding American-standard education to students of all school-aged levels. Located by the the scenic Haeundae New Town and beach, BFS has attractive features that extend far beyond a highly developed curriculum that prepares students for further education worldwide. The compact student population allows certain opportunities that can be rare to find at larger institutions; small class sizes for more personal attention from teachers, strong student camaraderie and a welcoming atmosphere for learners from all nations. A particularly applaudable aspect of Busan Foreign School is their healthy philosophy concerning sports. Oftentimes a subject reserved only for the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;exceptionallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; athletic students, sports at BFS is open to all and teaches the generous benefits of a physically fit lifestyle and sportsmanship to any student who wants to join; and at BFS, the number of participating students is remarkably high with a parallelling level of overwhelming satisfaction.

COVER STORY

Gaëtane Grade 8

In the Spotlight: Sports Program

Gaëtane - Grade 8 What sport(s) do you play? I play all the sports the school provides; cross country, basketball, soccer, volleyball, track. Do you think it's important to play sports? Why? Yes, it’s very important. Sports helps you maintain a strong, healthy life and also teaches you lots of life lessons, like teamwork. Even outside of school these lessons you learn in sports are very important. I heard that a good sportsperson has to have a competitive mindset… is that true? No, it’s not true. But if you want to compete or go to the next level it’s important to have a competitive mindset because a competitive mind drives you to win and to be better in the next game. It matters a lot to me because I like to win. I like to know that I’m doing my best. What does ‘good sportsmanship’ mean to you? It’s complicated because you do want to be really nice in a game but then you don’t want to lose either and you can get out of control. Good sportsmanship for me is another word for ‘don’t do anything you wouldn’t do if your parents were watching’. Sportsmanship is just what we use in sports but in school we use it as being kind and respectful. Describe for me what a ‘perfect game’ looks like to you. I don’t think there’s such a thing as a perfect game, because there’s a loser and a winner. But there is a fun game and a boring game. A fun game is when both teams are trying their best and they’re really communicating, doing cool tricks, amazing dunks and having a lot of fun.

Share with me one lesson you've learned from playing sports at BFS. When I was a bit younger I always thought that I was the best and that I was the one who was supposed to shoot all the goals and baskets. And then over the years, this school has taught me that I need to be patient and wait to pass the ball and look out for everyone. It’s not all about me. How do you feel when you’re playing? When I’m playing sports, I forget about everything that’s going on outside. If I’m having trouble or if something bad happened, I go play sports and forget about everything. I just feel better. It helps me handle my stress. Do you think athletics makes you a better student? If yes, then in what way? Yes, definitely. I’ve noticed and my mom has noticed that whenever I come home from sports I’m more likely to do my homework and finish it, because I feel more motivated and practice has cleared my mind so I can focus better. What is one thing you'd like to tell future students who might be a part of BFS’ sports program? If you join BFS sports, I guarantee you’ll have a fun time because everyone there is so kind and will always help you. The coaches are kind. Even though they might occasionally yell at you, they do it for the best. It’s for the betterment of your life. I have been here for eight years and in those years I have been doing sports. It’s honestly the best and it really helps me in my life. ▶

Mr. Galles, Athletic Director We have a league called SKAC (South Korean Activities Conference) that we participate in along with other international schools in the southern part of South Korea. Because of our smaller student population, the students have a chance to play every sport throughout the year. They are quite well-rounded. At each level, probably more than half of the students are involved in sports. Students often say that if they weren’t in a school like ours, they wouldn’t be able to get into sports. We encourage everyone to play sports here, no matter their experience or skill level. The benefit of being a smaller school means you have more interaction with older students. No matter your age, you get a chance to play. We always give the students lots of encouragement. Their enjoyment is number one. I think when you’re performing at your best, the fun comes naturally. It’s about combining getting better as a team and as an individual; the fun is just part of the process.

COVER STORY

Alex Grade 10

Alex - Grade 10 What sport(s) do you play? I play volleyball, basketball and soccer. Basketball is my favorite. How did you get started in them? I moved to America when I was four and I started playing then. I continued when I came to BFS. Do you think it's important to play sports? Why? For our school, I feel like it’s a very good attribute because our school is very small. When you play sports, you build connections with your teammates. I feel like having that connection with your peers is very important for a small school. We have a special team synergy. To make that, everything has to be positive. Because our school is small, the range of skill is very large; you have good players along with new players. We try to help each other get better. Nobody is looking down on anyone else. What is something you’ve liked best about playing sports? I enjoy the full experience. At our school, everything builds up to one moment. In the states, you have games every weekend but in our division of SKAC it’s only two tournaments. We practice for that one day, so it kind of creates an atmosphere of where everyone is striving to get better. I feel like that’s the best part of sports - everyone is working to be better as individuals and a team. I heard that a good sportsperson has to have a competitive mindset… is that true? I think that’s true. Our school is small so we have no tryouts, but if you’re competitive you can drive yourself and others to be

better. BFS’ sports program is 100% ‘what you put in is what you get out of it’. What does ‘good sportsmanship’ mean to you? It’s something that our coaches really emphasize. Our SKAC division consists of very few teams, so we never want to show any negativity from BFS. Whenever we go to a tournament we are always reminded to be respectful. Mr.Galles always says if you get mad, don’t show with your words but show by being a better player on the court. Describe for me what a ‘perfect game’ looks like to you. A perfect game is when everyone works hard and does their best together as a team. You played before you came to BFS did you notice a difference in yourself in playing before going to BFS and after playing at BFS? In America, I used to play in a county division. I always wanted to be at someone else’s level. But here, it’s not about trying to be at someone else’s level but about working together towards one goal. I feel like it makes us unique, working together as a team instead of pitting individuals against each other. Will you continue sports after BFS? After I leave BFS, I will keep playing whether that’s in school or just community at a recreation center. Sports calms me down. No matter what, I will always have sports. Here at BFS, sports is a lifestyle to make your life better. Share with me one lesson you've learned from playing sports at BFS. The first

thing I want to mention is teamwork. In the states, we were highly skilled individuals but our biggest problem was working together. In our division here, our coaches really emphasize teamwork. Learning teamwork has helped me outside of sports. I’ve learned how to give 100% to the problem at hand, whether that’s kicking the ball or winning a game. I’ve learned how to focus. Do you think athletics makes you a better student? If yes, then in what way? It really does. The biggest thing is time management. Balancing sports and classes is hard so you have to focus during the time you have to study. Also, because our school is so small, my teammate is also my classmate which just builds this community where everybody is connected and communicating with each other. What is a challenge your coaches at BFS have helped you to overcome? The difference between levels in Middle School and High school is quite big. I play in both middle school and in high school; when the high school season is over I play on the middle school team. The players on the middle school team can be very inexperienced in comparison. I used to get very angry when people made mistakes, but my coaches have guided me into how to lead and how to be a good teammate. To get community service hours, I actually coach elementary basketball. It’s cool because everyone looks up to you as the coach. When you have the ability to guide people to success, it teaches you how to work your hardest for them.

COVER STORY

Ejew Grade 12

“When you have the ability to guide people to success, it teaches you how to work your hardest for them.” -ALEX

Ejew - Grade 12 What sport(s) do you play? How did you get started in them? I play girls’ volleyball and basketball. I’ve been playing basketball since I was in elementary school. I didn’t play volleyball until I got into high school. The environment at BFS is very welcoming. Even when I didn’t know volleyball very well, they told me that it was okay and everyone was so encouraging. It was easier for me to join because of the warm, welcoming environment. Do you think it's important to play sports? Why? It’s important for me at least because there’s so much to learn; Not only how to be a good player or how to master a skill but also how to manage your time. I’ve learned how to collaborate and communicate with others, and how to be responsible for my actions. Even if I make a mistake, I can always make it up by working harder and by being more encouraging and more confident in myself. What is something you’ve liked best about playing sports at BFS? Other than the fact that I can move around instead of just being in a classroom, I like how everyone is very eager to learn. When we travel for sports, everyone is really excited and we feel like one team. Everyone is friends at that point. It’s really fun and it feels like family. The secret to bonding and becoming a good team is communication. We talk about sports a lot when we go to practice. There’s a lot of laughter.

Share with me one lesson you've learned from playing sports at BFS. Recently we had a scrimmage with another Busan international school and we were losing really badly. A lot of people seemed down; I was also discouraged because I hadn’t expected us to lose this badly. There was a moment when I was dribbling and an opponent stole my ball. I was so frustrated but at that moment I saw the scoreboard and the expression of my coach and I thought, ‘okay, I shouldn’t give up,’ so I ran and tried to defend the ball. The player didn’t score and I was able to take the rebound. That’s when I realized I should never give up. What is one thing you'd like to tell future students who might be a part of BFS’ sports program? In terms of sports, I think our school is the best place to start a sport because it’s not that intense. You’re not expected to be perfect. There isn’t a big gap between the people who are good and those who aren’t. It’s about diversity. You don’t have to be stressed about being the best player, you can start at the beginning. It’s a calm and encouraging environment, and once you do start to get committed there are always people who are willing to be as committed as you. So you can choose what kind of player that you want to be. ▶

COVER STORY Beau - Grade 8 What sport(s) do you play?I play all the sports that the school has to offer. Do you think it's important to play sports? Why? I think it’s important to play sports because it can keep you healthy and very fit. And it’s very good for team building and sportsmanship. You build a good team by practicing with them a lot and being close friends. That’s one thing that you need. We also do other activities together, not just sports. You have to get to know your teammates in other ways. If you all have great skills or each wants to be a super star, you can’t be a good team unless you work together. How can you be a good leader on the field? You have to know what to you and what everyone’s pros and cons are so you can direct them. You definitely have to know what to do yourself. If you're just standing there no one will think that you’re contributing. What does ‘good sportsmanship’ mean to you? It’s accepting what comes. It doesn’t always work out and you need to know that. Because that happens all the time in life and you need to be able to deal with it. Good sportsmanship is important for the rest of your life because you don’t always get what you want and sports helps you learn how to deal with that. I’ve definitely learned it here from the coaches. They always promote good sportsmanship. Describe for me what a ‘perfect game’ looks like to you. A perfect game is when a team is all working together. Both sides are doing well internally and it’s a fair match. Do you have any special memories at BFS in sports? I remember the first ever

Beau Lee GRADE 8

sport that I did at this school was volleyball. I was really excited because I had never played before. The first tournament that we went to was at a different school and we were all lining up. I was really nervous the morning of; I don’t think I could eat my breakfast. But when we started playing I forgot my nervousness and I was just in the game. I learned how to focus and forget my fear. I don’t even remember if we won the match. Share with me one lesson you've learned from playing sports at BFS. I’ve definitely learned that winning doesn’t always come to you. I’ve already learned that you really have to work with your team more than you might think. In sports, you have a common goal so you have to figure out how to communicate. How do you feel when you’re playing? When I’m playing I feel very connected with my team. Even if we make a mistake, l like to tell them that they can do better next time and that they did a good time. I try to be an encouraging team player. Do you think athletics makes you a better student? If yes, then in what way? Discipline. You have to be very disciplined and know how to follow orders. You can apply that to school. When your teacher gives you directions on how to complete something you know how to follow them. What is one thing you'd like to tell future students who might be a part of BFS’ sports program? I would tell them to definitely join the sports program. You learn how to manage your time, you learn how to be disciplined. You can connect with your friends in other ways, too. It’s very helpful to me as a student.

"Good sportsmanship is important for the rest of your life because you don’t always get what you want and sports helps you learn how to deal with that." - BEAU

COVER STORY

“I think when you’re performing at your best, the fun comes naturally. It’s about combining getting better as a team and as an individual; the fun is just part of the process.” Mr. Galles, Athletic Director

Amber GRADE 5 Amber - Grade 5 What sport(s) do you play?I How did you get started in them? I play soccer, track and field, basketball, volleyball and crosscountry. My sister Gaetane started playing when she was old enough and it seemed like fun, so that inspired me. When I tried out I loved it. Do you think it's important to play sports? Why? I think it’s important because it’s good to get exercise. Also, when you go to tournaments you meet new people and make friends from all over the world. I heard that a good sportsperson has to have a competitive mindset… is that true? Yes, but don’t be too competitive because sometimes it might not be a nice experience. You’ll start to yell at your teammates if you get too competitive. It’s important to cooperate with your team because it’s not just you in the spotlight. You have to work together to score. Do you have a favorite memory from playing here at BFS? My favorite member was in elementary futsal. Mr. Galles told us to just slam all the balls into the goal. Once I took a shot from half court and the ball slammed right into the goal. Describe for me what a ‘perfect game’ looks like to you. Nice cooperation, no yelling. Some competitive mindset. Run steadily, not too fast, not too slow. The team needs to know what to do and how to work together. Like a pack! Busan Foreign School

How do you feel when you’re playing? I feel really happy. I like running and I like getting to know new people and their personalities. I’m learning about myself and about other people. What is a life lesson you’ve learned on the court? I’ve learned how to be friendly. I used to have a very competitive mindset before playing at BFS. But at BFS, Mr. Galles and my previous coach have helped me learn how to cooperate with my team. I used to get very frustrated when I was playing. Even my friends have secretly noticed that I’ve changed for the better. Do you think athletics makes you a better student? If yes, then in what way? I think it has made me a better student. Athletics keeps you alive and awake. Yes, you might get tired but it always makes you energetic and excited, which helps you focus. Sports is a mental and physical competition. You have to think ahead of time, consider the open spaces and positions and it’s also physical because you have to have that energy in your body to run and to be fast and quick. What is one thing you'd like to tell future students who might be a part of BFS’ sports program? I would tell them that the sports program is really nice. The coaches are strict but not too strict. All you have to do is work hard, try your best and be yourself. ▶

45, Daecheon-ro 67 beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan

051-747-7199

COVER STORY

LIFE, THE GRAND ADVENTURE At Dulwich COLLEGE SEOUL, students experience risk, adventure and a deeper appreciation for this planet. Photos courtesy of DULWICH COLLEGE SEOUL

very corner of Dulwich College Seoul is used for education. The classrooms are papered with the students’ artwork, inspirational posters and photographs. The hallways spill over with children, each group carrying different atmospheres of seriousness as they color, play, discuss and read. There is a great sense of liveliness. This is not unexpected, as Dulwich provides not only a rigorous curriculum to prepare students academically but also some unique programs to prepare students for life outside of the classroom. Dulwich College was founded in London 400 years ago in 1619. Today, Dulwich College Seoul, part of a network of schools under Dulwich College International, strives admirably to live up to its guiding principles of ‘Students Come First, Pioneering Spirit, One Family of Schools, Building Bridges to the World, and Kindest School in the Universe’. The empathetic and creative atmosphere found at Dulwich can be summed up in the words “Graduate Worldwise”, a singularly Dulwich College philosophy that emphasizes the development of character strengths, critical thinking skills and ability to work with others.

COVER STORY

In the Spotlight:

• Residential and

Adventurous Journey PrograM

David Jewitt

• Pet Patrol

Residential and Adventurous Journey Program The chance for adventure is offered to the students at Dulwich through their Residential and Adventurous Journey Program. A series of increasingly challenging activities engineered by teacher and fearless leader David Jewitt take the students across the globe, encouraging them to grow into brave individuals, ready to assess and face the risks of the real world. Just a few years in, already considerable development can be witnessed in the lives and world-views of the students who take part. Give us a little background on the Adventurous Journey Program In the Junior school, we have something called ‘Adventure Residentials’. In Senior school, we have ‘Adventure Journeys’. Residentials are based in one place where the students then go from and have multiple activities. The Adventure Journeys start at one point and finish at another one a week later. The overall program is designed to start out the least challenging and end up more challenging by the end; it’s reverse engineered to prepare students for their 12th year, during which we have the Shackleton Project; ultimately a

Outdoor Education Leader

culmination of everything they have been learning. It’s a student-led adventure expedition. Throughout the years, the adventures become more challenging. Why did you want to establish this program at Dulwich? My background is in adventure sports. I believe passionately in the values of outdoor education and exposure to adventure and managing risk. I had the opportunity to further develop the program here into something that’s progressive, which I believe is quite unique. I knew where I wanted the students to end up in year 12, to be able to design their own expedition, and so we had to build up the skills in order to do that. Here in Korea, there are many good opportunities but not necessarily in the immediate surrounding areas, especially in the middle of a city. Lots of things need to be planned, which is part of my job. I organize these opportunities. What are skills you want your students to have gained by the time they leave the program? Interpersonal skills. The majority of the program is set around problem solving, how to overcome difficulties, how to make decisions. It’s about managing risk. You have to decide what are the approximate levels of risk

to engage in and how to look after not only yourself but others around you. Fundamentally, it’s about building good judgement. If you have poor judgement there are immediate consequences. For example, if you don’t bring a waterproof jacket and it’s raining, then you’re going to get wet. Nothing is ever life-threatening [in our programs] but you have to learn how to think and plan for necessities to ensure you're comfortable. I hope that the students learn to appreciate the enjoyment you can get from being in remote and arguably challenging conditions away from the normal aspects of day to day life. It’s about a change of perspective, knowing, ‘okay, I can cope. This is alright.’ So I’d hope that the students learn coping mechanisms, good interpersonal skills, develop good judgment and the ability to manage risk. What changes have you noticed in your students who have been part of this program? The biggest changes I notice are in the students who do residentials each year. This is our third year now of running the program. After the first or second time, the students become far more autonomous. They’re organizing themselves. ▶

COVER STORY

Gustav

Grace

Year 9

Year 11

What do you do on these trips? Gustav: I went on a hiking trip to Japan, a cycling trip to China and recently I went on a surfing trip to the Philippines. Every trip has been valuable and taught me different things. For example, after being exposed to hiking in a different way than before, I have begun to enjoy hiking much more. The mountains in Japan are different than the ones here in Korea. When we went hiking in Japan, we had to carry everything we might need on our backs. You could feel the physical weight of what we actually needed so it gave us a different perspective on what was a necessity. You learn what is really essential. Grace: Last year, I went to the jungles of Borneo. This year, I went to Cambodia to do service work. In Borneo, we had to do some trekking for about three days. It was quite a challenge because besides having to carry our bags, we were in the jungle for some time so that required more equipment. We had to make our own fires and cook our own food. On the last day of our trip in Borneo, we planted four hundred trees to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Dulwich. That was really rewarding to see. Planting all those trees and knowing that you did something about deforestation and the environment was really impactful. When you do the actual work, when you put your blood, sweat and tears into it, it’s even more meaningful.

What were some things that you were apprehensive about before you went on the trip? Grace: First, I was anxious about the load we’d have to carry. We were scared of the physical aspect of the trek. Making the fire was quite challenging as well, particularly on damp days. One day it took us two hours to make a fire. Though we were under the shade of the trees, the temperature wasn’t as bad as expected but it was very hot and humid. Gustav: A lot of the students were quite nervous about the distance. The physical aspect might not be that challenging but many students don’t know how far they can push themselves. It’s about overcoming the mental barrier and just making yourself do it. Breaking down big tasks into small, accomplishable pieces made it easier to overcome. I definitely find it to be a mental thing. Once you look back at all the distances you have covered, coming to camp and building tents or cooking food, even in the cold, seems like nothing in comparison. It encourages you and the objective seems less daunting. Do you think learning outside of the classroom is as valuable as learning inside the classroom? Gustav: I think we’re learning different things. Most of the subjects in class focus on academics but adventure journeys are

more human-based… about human values and empathy. In a classroom, you might miss things like how to empathize with someone who has been injured or is feeling homesick. You learn different things that are just as valuable. I think having a balance is very important. Grace: There definitely has to be a balance. Before we went to Cambodia, we learned about the history of the Khmer Rouge. But when we actually went to Cambodia and saw the killing fields, knowing the history beforehand made it more impactful. It made the whole situation more real. Without the background knowledge learned in the classroom I don’t think it would have hit as hard. Gustav: In humanities class we learn about the incomes of different areas. When we went on the surfing trip to the Philippines, during the five hours on the bus we saw how different lives can be even if the physical distance isn’t so far. We saw how privileged we are. I think it was very eye-opening. How do you think this program has helped you as students over all? Grace: I think these trips show us how to think less about ourselves and think more about other people. We have a lot of wants but others might have needs. On my trip to Cambodia, I realized that we should focus on people’s needs over our own wants. The trips also make us think more about the environment. Going to places like the

COVER STORY

jungle shows us how we must preserve these places. There are so many beautiful creatures that will die out because of what we have done. They should not have to suffer. The adventurous journeys have helped me understand that more. Gustav: It puts things into perspective. I saw how our basic utilities that we use at school affect wildlife, especially turtles. Plastic ends up in the oceans then the turtles ingest it and die. I could see that our behavior has a significant, negative impact on certain species. How would you describe this program in one, brief statement? David Jewitt: It’s tough but rewarding. Grace: It’s about going back to the basics and learning how to do things that our ancestors did before and applying those things to our daily lives. Gustav: It’s a program that widens the horizons of students and challenges them in different ways so they work together instead of as individuals. ▶

“I hope that the students learn to appreciate the enjoyment you can get from being in remote and arguably challenging conditions away from the normal aspects of day to day life. It’s about a change of perspective, knowing, ‘okay, I can cope. This is alright." - DAVID JEWITT, OUTDOOR EDUCATION LEADER

COVER STORY

Alina Year 6

“You should at least try. It’s not as scary as you think at first.” -ALINA

Pet Patrol Owning a pet is a certain luxury and responsibility to many students living in a crowded metropolis such as Seoul. Dulwich takes the burden off parents and brings the pets to the classrooms where students learn how to care for their furry friends under the watchful eye of Pet Patrol head Natasha Wildman. Guinea pigs, hamsters and even beetles are shown the special care that only a class of curious young students can provide. Working with animals fosters compassion for our fellow living creatures and natural inquisitiveness inspires students to become researchers, organizers, managers and caretakers while benefiting from the happiness that inevitably comes with cherishing a pet Let’s start with an easy question. Can you describe yourself in three words? Alina: I’m joyful and… I love animals. Max: I’m kind, joyful all the time… it’s hard to describe myself. But I like animals. Joyful, kind, animal-lover! Oonagh: Happy. I’m crazy… and… I’m very crazy. Tell me about the Pet Patrol Club! What do you have to do?

Alina: We feed animals. We take care of them and get to know their personalities. Max: We take care of the pets and sometimes you feed them, bathe them and just… take care of them. Oonagh: First, we get some boxes. We get spray bottles and fill them up with vinegar. We got little packets and put them up with ripped tissue, then we wrote a sign that said ‘only two pieces a day’ or… was it five pieces? We take care of the animals. We have to feed them, clean them, take care of them and wash them. We mostly take care of the hamsters. Leli is my favorite one. Do you like animals? Alina: Of course I do! I’ve liked them since I was born. It’s hard luck on me though because I don’t have an animal at home. The first thing I’m going to do after I come out of my parent’s house is get a giant dog. I like big dogs, like golden retrievers. They’re one of the smartest and kindest dogs. They never bite people. Max: Yes, I like playing with animals. I like big animals, too. Oonagh: Yes, I love them. My favorite animals are dogs. I like big dogs. I have a huge dog. He started out small but

COVER STORY

Max

Oonagh

Year 5

Year 3

then one week later he was huge. He’s a Labrador and he’s bigger than me. I’m not scared of animals at all. Why should we learn to care about pets and animals? Alina: Because they’ve living creatures and they deserve respect. Max: Because we have to care for them. We don’t want them to go extinct. Oonagh: Because they’re part of nature and we have to take care of them so they can live healthy lives. What is one of the most interesting things you have learned at Pet Patrol Club? Alina: I learned that animals have personalities and their own favorite foods. If you treat them well they’ll like you. If animals are scared of me I let them sniff me, like Ms. Wildman taught us. They should get used to you before you touch them. I learned how to understand what they’re feeling. Max: I learned about Joey [the hamster] and his favorite food. He likes orange peppers. I learned that hamsters bathe in sand. It’s very special sand. Hamsters need sand baths because the sand goes into their fur and cleans it out. Oonagh: Everything is interesting. Leli likes Dulwich College Seoul

going into the sand more than Joey. She likes taking baths. Do you think animals have personalities? Alina: Well, Leli [the hamster] really likes pears but not other things so much. I think they all have different personalities and foods that they like. Some hamsters bite you if they get too stressed. Some of them are just really cool. Max: Yes. Joey is very shy but most of the other hamsters come out. Joey likes to sleep and doesn’t really like to hang out. Maybe he’s a little lazy. We get along very well. Oonagh: Yes, I do think so. I can tell because they do different things. What kind of animal do you think you would be? Alina: I think I’d be a horse because if I get stressed I freak out. Horses freak out sometimes. I saw it in a movie once. Max: I would be a bird because I want to fly but some get hunted very easily…. So I would be a cat, but a big one like a cheetah or a leopard. I don’t want to be eaten. I would probably be a lizard or an owl, then! Because owls are very safe. They live in trees, nobody eats them. They can see very well in the dark, fly and they’re cool.

6 Sinbanpo-ro 15-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Oonagh: I would be a dog because people love dogs. Dogs are friendly. What would you like to tell future students about Pet Patrol Club? Alina: We take care of animals and we get to know their personalities. If you like animals, come to Pet Patrol Club. Pet Patrol teaches us how animals feel. If you are scared of pets, well, we just tell you to get used to it and if you get used to it, then that’s good. You should at least try. It’s not as scary as you think at first. Max: I would tell them that we feed the animals. We test out food on them to see if they like it. It’s very fun. The students get extra time to play with the pets. When I grow up, I would first get a job where I can get a lot of money. I would make an animal shelter and then have pets in my shelter. I want them to feel loved. I’m from Holland and some people in Holland have animals on their farms. I want a lot of chickens. Oonagh: I would tell them that we look after the hamsters. We give them baths, we feed them and we make boxes for them. We hold them and pet them. I feel happy when I take care of them. I just feel happy. ▶

02-501-9748

COVER STORY

Music, Theater and Film, Oh my! At Dwight, the complexities and beauty of the world are further explored through visual and performing arts.

n 1872, Dwight School broke ground in New York City as the first school in the Americas to offer a comprehensive IB curriculum from preschool to graduation. Fast forward to 2020, and Dwight School Seoul carries on this legacy, following their mantra to find and ignite the spark of genius in every student who receives an education here. Educating students with consideration towards their unique learning abilities is a task worthy of the experienced and excellent faculty at Dwight Seoul. Their efforts to foster a healthy environment that invites inquisitive learning are clear in the school’s academic records; students carry on their educations at Ivy League schools, some of the top art schools in the world as well as consistently boast exceptional scores in ACT, SAT and IB testing. The word ‘genius’ bears many nuances. Mad scientists, outspoken human rights activists, fascinating orators and leaders who shine in difficult circumstances all have their strokes of genius; undeniably, no two look the same. The students at Dwight are encouraged in their personal academic journeys to grow where they are strong and improve where they are weak, and Dwight’s mission “to ignite the spark of genius” in every child imbues the classrooms and curriculum. Dwight’s diverse student body further broadens the horizons of each student as they encounter fellow classmates from entirely different backgrounds; here at Dwight, ‘genius’ is no limited thing.

COVER STORY

In the Spotlight: Visual and Performing Arts Program Humanity has always turned to music, theater and, in more modern eras, film as a medium of expression, whether for personal, political or societal reasons. Though the arts embody many things, one could argue that at the core is a desire to understand the self and society. Dwight believes the arts are integral to education. Individualized learning, all while being a part of the global community, is the foundation for the arts program at Dwight, where students explore the arts through performances, presentations, journals and festivals. Dwight practices â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;learning through doingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on a global scale; students from Dwight showcase their talents at the Busan International Film Festival, the Dwight Shanghai Musical Festival and at Carnegie Hall, where the students had another successful performance earlier this year. What makes music and theater so special to you? How do you foster this appreciation of the arts in your students? Innovation, relevance and a sense of passion and purpose guide students to find their creative edge. The world over the past few months, both in Korea and beyond, has proved how enriched our society becomes through products of the Arts. Netflix, Spotify, the live streaming of concerts and performances, and gaming designs have all been composed, written and crafted by artists. It is the outlet we crave and need, and this begins in the classroom. Why do you feel that music is important for the students? Is it necessary in the educational setting? Music is incredibly personal, and students connect through this medium. Different cultures, styles and genres tell stories which enable our kids to share and reflect on their own lives - past, present and future. Music has been around for millennia in one form or another, and children need to understand how their own lives can play a role. Have you seen your students grow and change while in the performing arts and music program? Students engaged in the performing arts at Dwight develop confidence, empathy, creativity and problem solving skills.

Jordan Thomas Director of Creative and Performing Arts

Students become balanced global citizens, eager and ready to contribute their ideas to Seoul and the world. What has been one of the most rewarding experiences for you as a staff member at Dwight and doing what you do? Giving our students the opportunities to pursue their passion. Our students demonstrate innovation and initiative every day, and they are supported by a flexible dedicated, committed and professional Performing and Creative Arts faculty. What do you think is unique about the arts program at Dwight? The opportunities provided for our students, from all three curriculum programs of the IB, alongside our facilities and resources, and expert tuition and guidance from our teachers, give our students the edge. Many of our programs, events and festivals encourage and promote students to collaborate from all grade levels, creating a strong sense of unity and community. The Performing and Creative Arts teachers have an excellent rapport with one another, and this only fuels our students passion, energy and enthusiasm. Could you share a bit about the Carnegie Hall trip to New York? What are the qualifications for students to attend, what happened during that trip, and do you notice changes in the students who attend?

Seoul has been part of the Dwight International Music Festival at Carnegie Hall for many years. Last year, we added Shanghai to the repertoire, and next year, Dwight Seoul is honored to be hosting this festival. Each Dwight campus auditions about 20-30 students and the host campus will select the most outstanding musicians from the cohort. These decisions are based on skill, musicality and academics, along with other requirements. Each Dwight school selects and arranges a piece of music based on a selective theme, and all campuses perform in several global pieces, alongside a massed orchestra and choir, combining students, faculty, parents and the wider community. The festival combines sightseeing, social events with the campuses, musical workshops, rehearsals, the performance and final celebrations. Students are very focused and committed to the program, and develop life-long friends from their own campus, as well as performers from around the world. How would you encourage potential future students to join the arts program? We pride ourselves in giving individual students the opportunity to pursue their ideas and to nurture their talents. Students are always encouraged to get involved in all our programs, from all grade levels, and our teachers will work with them to realize their passion and potential. â&#x2013;ś

COVER STORY

ARAM GRADE 7

Aram - Grade 7 / Performing Arts Music & Theater Why is performing arts special to you? Performing arts is special to me because it gives me an opportunity to express myself. What has been your favorite production you’ve been a part of so far? My favorite play that I performed in was Into the Woods because I got a role that was the biggest I’d had yet. I played Cinderella's mother and my friends made my dress, which made it even more special. What sparked your interest in music? I’ve always loved listening to or making music. Music is a really unique way to express yourself because there are so many different songs and genres out there. In what ways has Dwight’s performing arts program been important to you?

The music rehearsals have definitely been special. Although sometimes I have to miss out on sports or other things if schedules conflict, I always look forward to the rehearsals because I get to spend time with my friends doing what I love. Have there been any special moments while in the performing arts program at Dwight? The moment I never forget is the sound of applause after the final bow of a show. Also seeing my parents after I perform will be a memory I keep forever. Do you think this program has made you a better student? I think it has. Being a part of it has made me more confident. I also think it has taught me to be more social with other people I might not have interacted with before.

COVER STORY

Katya GRADE 7

Katya - Grade 8 / Performing Arts Theater How has being in the performing arts program been important to you? The performing arts have become a part of who I am. It has shaped the way that I think and talk, since shyness was a big problem I had before. I’ve learned how to share my thoughts and feelings through acting and performing in front of many people. Even something as simple as presenting in front of my class or raising my hand to ask the teacher a question has become easier. I’ve learned how to handle public speaking, gained a higher self esteem and confidence which I never thought I could have. What has been the most memorable show you’ve been a part of so far? What made it so special? I recently played a big

role in a school musical about a year ago called “Into the Woods,” which features many fairy tale stories we read in our early childhood, like Jack and the Beanstalk or Cinderella. I played the role of ‘Rapunzel,’ which was an intriguing experience as my first time having a main role. I think that if you believe in yourself and take the time to pursue your passion for your role and try to become one with the character, it helps a lot. Even if you have stage fright or have a bad case of anxiety, practice is what I would recommend. If you perform in front of many people, or even in front of your friends or family, eventually the fear of failing or not living up to the audience’s expectations won’t matter anymore. Once I was on stage, playing Rapunzel, I was truly terrified. I have a bad case of anxiety and I am also afraid

of heights (being in Rapunzel’s tower), so that didn’t mix well once I got the role. I shook a lot when I had to sing and felt very bad about it months after the musical. But now, I understand that I did everything in my willpower and showed my best self. What makes the performing Arts program special at Dwight? As a child, I always had watched my peers and students older than me join various productions and musicals, and even create their own projects related to drama or music, through festivals or albums. Even students and teachers who I looked up to would encourage me to take risks and take on new challenges when they came my way. But Dwight, especially, recognizes and supports every child's dreams or goals. Due to the small size of our community, compared to other schools, we are able to achieve things we never even thought of before. Whatever your age or gender, If you are willing and have a passion to achieve your goal, there are people here who will help you. What is a lesson you’ve learned while in the performing arts program? There have been some particular moments when I wanted to give up. Everyone at some point gets scared being on stage and wants to turn invisible right on the spot. But I still continue on with the performing arts for multiple reasons. I always think to myself that I can do better than what people might expect of me, which challenges me to a whole new level. There are still moments when I sing or perform very badly, which makes me feel so guilty and I start having negative thoughts about myself. It’s only once my teachers or peers tell me encouraging things about my performances I realize how there is always a bright side no matter what. What is something you would tell students who are interested in being the performing arts program? Overall, I would recommend future students to join the performing arts program and to enjoy every moment that you have to embrace and pursue different characters and their personalities. In the process of it, don’t lose yourself. It’s a hard skill to acquire, but being yourself is what makes you unique and different from everybody else. ▶

COVER STORY

Eugenie GRADE 7

Eugenie - 12th grade / Performing Arts - Film What makes film so special to you? Every aspect of it. When I was younger, I always used to search information on behind the scenes of my favorite movies; seeing actors out of character, camera crew carrying around heavy equipment, and production members giggling with each other just continued to fuel my love for film. I found myself questioning everything happening on screen when watching movies with my friends and family, which would sometimes get me in trouble, especially if it was everyone’s first time seeing the film! But most importantly, I love knowing that one small idea in someone’s head can be artistically represented on a screen. What sparked your interest in film? Is there a particular role you are interested in? (i.e. producer, director, set design, script writing, casting etc.) I was first introduced to Film in 6th grade when I took a mandatory media class. I can say that if it were not for this compulsory class, I never would have been introduced to the world of cinema that I know right

now. I was never very good at handling a camera or setting up gear, so I always took on roles that I thought required less effort, such as writing. I think the idea of not having to learn additional information was what initially got me interested in writing, but then I started taking it seriously. I often create small scenarios or write short stories every now and then and think “hmm.. this would be cool if the characters could be seen wearing this,” or “what if this was underwater?” I realized that as the writer, there was no right or wrong answer in what I had to say, and the possibilities of my ideas were endless. During my second year of IB Film, I started to explore other filmmaking roles. Initially, I was a bit scared, as I thought I wouldn’t be able to perfectly execute the requirements needed for the role, but eventually I not only acquired many skills, I also developed a deeper understanding for each role. Some roles that are considered ‘less important’ than others, such as the sound designer or costume designer, are usually dismissed, but they actually play a crucial role in not only how the film is produced, but how it is

later received by the audience. But I think I’ll stick to writing for now. In what ways has Dwight’s film department been important to you? We are actually the smallest arts department, but that doesn’t make us any less important. When I needed recording equipment for a Psychology video, I was allowed to use the LAV mics in the film room whenever I needed to. When planning my final thesis film, I used some glass blackboards in our film room to create a visual board, where I stuck everything that popped into my head until I had an idea of what I wanted to make. Sometimes, during lunch, when I’m tired and having a rough day, I pop into the film classroom and there is a Studio Ghibli cartoon playing on the screen. There are usually five or six kids who come in with their lunches to watch the chosen film; we really enjoy just being in each other’s company. Although I am extremely grateful for the equipment the film department has, the constant support from the students and teachers in the film department is what keeps me going. Do you have a special memory or moment during your time studying film that was significant for you? My most memorable moment was from a couple of months ago, when some students in grade 11 hosted an ‘art night’, where students could sing, perform, or show off their creations. My film teacher asked if he could screen my film. I nearly said no, because at that point, my thesis film was still very under-produced and not finished. However, since I couldn’t make it that night, I said yes, because I knew I wouldn’t be there to see the reactions from people if they didn’t end up liking my film! But the day after, multiple teachers told me that they enjoyed my film. Those few words and comments from teachers whom I had never spoken to before, pacified the insecurities of my work and just encouraged me to make the best of what I have. It’s the little things. What do you believe are the characteristics or skills that make someone a good filmmaker? Creativity and Passion. It’s true that the technical and logistical aspects are important in filmmaking, however, creativity and passion differ from these as they are skills that you cannot learn. When it comes to someone’s mind, there are no set tools or

COVER STORY

limits. I’ve realized this only recently and it applies to almost anywhere, but you can’t really be ‘good’ at something if you don’t like it. What has been one of the most challenging things for you concerning film (i.e. learning new camera equipment, the competitive narrowness of the field, coming up with good ideas, high barriers for female directors, etc.) and how have you overcome it? Personally, one of the most challenging aspects of IB film is the rigor of the curriculum. I noticed that a lot of non-arts students tend to dismiss art subjects, saying they aren’t as difficult as other sciences or humanities, or sometimes saying they aren’t ‘real subjects’. I am

actually the first cohort at Dwight to be assessed using the newest version of the IB film curriculum, so as of right now, there aren’t many past examples I can look to. I think another difficulty I have faced was constantly wondering if my work wasn’t good enough or if it was good at all. Do you think this program has made you a better student? If yes, then how? I think this program has made me a better person, overall. Although there have been many times when I wondered if I should have taken another subject, now that I am in the final months of DP, I see the program has been a very rewarding experience. I have learned so many lessons and acquired so many skills that I am sure I will use both in and outside of the classroom. ▶

COVER STORY

JACK GRADE 7

Jack - Grade 10/ Performing Arts Music & Theater What makes performing arts so special to you? It allows me to experience life as if I was someone (or something) else. It teaches me to face the world through a new lens, and I can switch my perspective while interacting with the people around me depending on which role I am embodying. Do you have a favorite play you’ve performed in? Why was it so memorable? The School production “13,” the musical was memorable not only because it was fun being involved and working alongside with the crew, but it was also important to me because it was my very first time being a part of an Englishbased play. It was challenging but turned out even better than expected, making it so unique and memorable. What sparked your interest in performing arts? It all started with my first role model, Jackie Chan. Watching him being different characters, jumping from a roof to another really lit the spark in me to become a “theater kid.” The flame was fanned when I had the opportunity to meet him in person. That was the moment when he explained to me how acting changed his life and helped him to become a better person.

In what ways has Dwight’s performing arts program been important to you? It has provided me the chance to challenge myself, to have my very first performance in English. The people I’ve worked with have really supported me in facing my weaknesses and improving myself to become better. What have been the most challenging things for you while doing drama? Fully getting into character has always been a challenge for me. To get into a character, your actions and your tone should always refer to the character’s personality. You have to forget who you actually are, throw away all your natural habits and make people think you are a whole new person. However, I’ve learned to overcome this challenge every time my friends and teachers give me tips or share their own experiences. I find this truly helpful and I’m very grateful for it. Do you think this program has made you a better student? If yes, then how? Yes. It made me accomplish something I never thought I could, and helped me realize my true potential. I hope to accomplish more in the days to come. What is something you'd like to tell future students in the performing arts program? Be brave, be creative, be positive. There’s nothing you can’t do if you never say no.

COVER STORY

Phoebe GRADE 11

Phoebe - Grade 11/ Performing Arts Music What makes the music program so special to you? I can’t remember not expressing my love for music. However, when practicing an art for many years, it’s easy to fall in and out of love with it. The music program at Dwight has been so special to me because it made me fall in love with music all over again. With the supportive teachers at Dwight, I feel it’s also a very safe space to express yourself. Music has always been a creative outlet for me and has helped me get through a lot of rough patches. What sparked your interest in music? I started taking singing lessons at the age of seven. As a little kid, it was very rare for me to either not be talking or singing. My favorite part of the day is when my mum and I turn on the radio and jam out to our favorite songs on the drive to school. At the age of five, I started to take piano lessons. I’m definitely grateful for learning the piano because it has helped a lot with music theory. I started vocal lessons at the age of seven and haven’t stopped since. In what ways has Dwight’s music program been important to you? Before coming to Dwight, I was at a Dwight School Seoul

crossroads in terms of if I wanted to continue to study music and take it as one of my Diploma subjects. I’d started to feel less confident singing and was second guessing myself a lot. I’ve always had supportive people around me, but my love for singing and studying music started to fade. Now at Dwight and being surrounded by such a supportive and fun group of teachers, I can’t believe I was ever considering not taking music. The year I came to Dwight, we did “13” the musical, and I was lucky enough to have one of the principal roles. Being surrounded around people who genuinely love music as much as me initiated a shift in my perspective. What has been one of the most challenging things for you concerning music and how have you overcome it? I would say when I was younger my main challenge would be stage fright. It never stopped me from performing, but I do remember often feeling quite sick before a performance at the thought of making a mistake or forgetting my lyrics. Despite still getting slightly nervous before performances, it’s nowhere near to the extent it used to be. However, I’d say in the past few years the biggest challenge I’ve faced is having confidence in myself.

21 World Cup Buk-ro 62-gil, Mapo-g u, Seoul

It’s very hard to say what makes a good singer. There's no test that says who is right and wrong; it’s much more complex. I can say in the past few months, after the musical and feedback from my teachers, I’m starting to believe in myself more and put in the work to improve. Do you think this program has made you a better student? If yes, then how? Absolutely. There’s no question about it. I feel like all my teachers at Dwight really care. My music teacher is so knowledgeable and I’ve never felt like someone has cared for me in terms of my music as much as she does. I never want to leave my lessons and always feel incredibly inspired after I do. I think I’ve become a better student because I now have so much desire to learn. What is something you'd like to tell future students in the music program? I would say never cast your passion for the arts aside because some see it to be less academic. If you’re very passionate about something then don’t let others stop you from following it. There’s so much to learn in the arts; not just theory and history. I believe it’s one of the only subjects in which you truly learn so much about yourself. ▶

02-6920-8600

COVER STORY

Living Together, Learning Together Boarding at NLCS Jeju offers a safe and healthy environment for the students to learn what it means to be a compassionate citizen of the world

eju Island is a must-visit for the interested world traveler but perhaps also for the interested student looking for a well-rounded and exceptional British education. A long history of preparing students to continue their education at internationally acclaimed universities lays the foundation for North London Collegiate School to cater to students in Jeju, South Korea. Surrounded by the unique island life of Jeju, a Unesco World Heritage site, students learn in not only a naturally beautiful environment, but also with a great variety of co-curricular activities, societies and the boarding initiative. The World Schools website listing the best international schools in South Korea has NLCS Jeju at the very top of the list, and for many good reasons. Besides the undeniable beauty of the campus, NLCS Jeju also boasts a reputation for excellent academics, not only preparing their students to be accepted at some of the best universities in the world but to also thrive there. Through the years, the students at NLCS Jeju have proven their academic edge over other schools in South Korea. Looking at recent numbers, every student in the class of 2019 passed the International Baccalaureate examinations, with nearly half achieving 40 points or higher out of 45. This year, the UK and US elite university acceptance rates were record-breaking, with Oxbridge, Ivy League schools and many more top schools offering places for the students of NLCS to continue their education. The school facilities are an impressive collection of modern architecture that embraces space, clean lines and light, creating a school atmosphere filled with openness; a refreshing quality that carries over to the students. The campus consist of libraries, sports fields, pools, gym and sports halls, theatres and drama studios, orchestra rooms and individual practice rooms for musicians, providing anything students might need for a happy, full school life. Indeed, this beautiful school fosters beautiful lifestyles. Part of the successful educational lifestyle at NLCS Jeju is due to their pastoral care and boarding program.

COVER STORY

In the Spotlight: Boarding at NLCS Jeju

Lynne Oldfield Principal of NLCS Jeju

What makes NLCS Jeju so special? We have a very clear view of education. The three pillars of our educational philosophy begin with a strong academic ethos, which not only encourages excellence, but goes beyond that in that we strive to develop academic curiosity. It’s about empowering them to undertake their own academic scholarship to prepare them for life beyond school. Underpinning everything in academics is the second pillar- the quality of our pastoral care. Unless children are really happy, unless they feel that they are secure and safe in a school environment, they’re not going to do well. The third pillar of our philosophy is a strong co-curricular offering. We believe that clubs, societies, productions, service and sports are of paramount importance to developing all the strengths of each and every child. We have many societies which are student-run, where students engage in developing a particular interest. We believe very strongly in a

boarding ethos that allows the whole child to be looked after and to develop. What is something you hope the students will have learned by the time they leave NLCS Jeju? Success in the broader sense. Obviously, it’s important to be in positions of responsibility and to have good jobs, because then they’re in a position where they can make a greater difference. I think that one of the things for our students to leave with is a sense that they are in a privileged position in their academics. They feel that responsibility and realize that they have the ability to improve things. It’s the recognition that they are the future leaders and citizens of the world, that they can make changes for the better. One of the things that we expect from our students is a lack of arrogance. We want them to have confidence and a sense of compassion. It’s important they do develop that empathetic understanding of the world out there and have an ambition to bring about change for the better. ▶

Living together and learning together, the students in the boarding programme at NLCS Jeju have a unique perspective on what it’s like to attend this international school. Due to the location on Jeju island, students can opt for living in one of the houses on campus, which inevitably opens up an entirely different type of school experience. Undoubtedly, the students at NLCS Jeju are part of a privileged group of the educated population. The bigger question asked is whether they are aware of that and what they will do with that privilege. Lynne Oldfield, Principal of NLCS Jeju, believes in the curriculum and the school’s efforts in nurturing their students into engaged and compassionate global citizens.

COVER STORY

Daniel Long - House Master The students in senior school at NLCS Jeju carry a certain air of responsibility and maturity that is heartening to see, knowing who will carry the mantle of this world’s future. Stepping outside of the senior school and meeting the juniors shows just where the seeds of NLCS Jeju’s philosophies are planted and how they begin to sprout.

Yoon Sang YEAR 12

Yoon Sang - Year 12 I’ve been here since year seven. Are you a boarder? I’ve been a boarder since year seven. When I was younger I thought boarding life was too restrictive and I didn’t like it because at home my parents were pretty lenient, but boarding life was different; you had regulations to keep. Looking back, I recognize that I was able to experience life as a community. In the end, I really enjoyed boarding because I met many of my friends and it helped me to develop my study habits. It feels like home. What's your favorite part of being a boarder? Being able to use school facilities, especially for exercising. We have a wonderful gym and sports hall that we can use during weekends and in the evenings we can play sports. I would not be able to enjoy these facilities the same way if I were a day student. Can you imagine what it would have been like for you if you were not a boarder? When I was in year nine, I was a day student for a single term but I got back to the boarding programme because I would get so bored of the day student life. I missed being around my friends after school hours.

Do you think living together with your fellow students has been important for developing your personal life? Yes, I think so. Just being friends and living together are quite different experiences. The boarding programme has taught me how to think about others more. It taught me patience. How many boarding houses are there? There are five senior houses for year seven to eleven, and two boarding houses for six formers; Halla North and Halla East. For senior houses, every Monday they have house competitions, just like in Harry Potter. For house competitions, we play sports or do public speaking, spelling bees or art related competitions. Our house spirit brings us closer together. How many students are usually in one house? Last year, in my house we had about 40 boarders and 30 day students. Day students are part of the house, but the boarders actually live in that house. Everybody is sorted into a house so they have a team to be a part of. Do you have a house championship? Yes, we do have one. The winning house gets to keep the trophy until the next championship.

COVER STORY Helen - Year 12 What is like being a boarder? I have been a boarding student since year 6. At first, it was tough because my parents weren’t here with me. But the house mistresses and the gap students were always there to talk and if I didn’t feel like talking to them, I could talk to my friends. Regarding academics, if I didn’t want to study alone there were always friends to study with. There are also a lot of great extracurricular activities. What is the best part about boarding? I get to play sports. I had never danced or performed in front of people but because of the house competitions I got to perform and do new things. After hours, they provide different activities from DIY to cooking. Has being in the boarding programme helped you to be a better student? Yes, in terms of reaching out for help. It’s not an easy thing to do. But because I see that the teachers understand what I am going through I feel more connected being here. What is a valuable life lesson you’ve learned while being here in the boarding programme? I’ve learned that I have the ability to help people. That was a nice thing to learn about myself. So what does home mean to you and does this place feel like home? Well, I’ve actually thought a lot about that since I have been here since I was nine or ten. Eventually, I started to feel like this was my home as well. So instead of this being half of a home and my real home being my other half, it feels like they exist together. So whenever I’m in one of my places I always feel like I’m at home. ▶

HELEN YEAR 12

“Unless children are really happy, unless they feel that they are secure and safe in a school environment, they’re not going to do well. We believe very strongly in a boarding ethos that allows the whole child to be looked after and to develop.” - LYNNE OLDFIELD, NLCS Jeju PRINCIPAL 35

COVER STORY

ASHLEY

VICTORIA

Year 6

Claire

LUNA

YEAR 6

COVER STORY

So how would you describe each other? Ashley and Victoria - Year 6 Victoria: Ashley is friendly, mannerly and loyal. Ashley: Victoria is smart, very good at reading books and kind. What is it like for you to go to school here? Victoria: I really like it because facilities are good and my friends are really kind. The teachers help us to understand if we don’t know something. I think the way we learn at this school is really good. I’m not really sure if I’m supposed to say so but it’s kind of different from my old school. I feel more taken care of here. Ashley: When I first started here in year two I had to go away from my friends in Seoul, but when I came here I really liked how they have classes with special teachers. A lot of teachers here can speak Korean and English and even sometimes another language. If you know somebody who is interested in NLCS Jeju, what would you tell them? Victoria: Definitely come here! Here you study hard, but also can do other activities and express yourself in creative ways like through competitions, art and festivals. Ashley: You can just be yourself. There's no limit in what you can do.

Luna: For me, I like English on Wednesdays because we get to go to the library to have guided reading. I also like music because we sing and I really enjoy singing. What would you tell your friends who don’t go here about NLCS Jeju? Claire: I would tell them that it’s really fun and they should absolutely have a try here. When I first got in I could feel it was going to be fun from the beginning. I wasn’t nervous at all. Luna: Everyone told me it would be so hard to get in so my mom and I just decided to try without expectations. I wasn’t nervous at all. I was really surprised when I found out that I got into NLCS Jeju because I was worried about my English, though since coming here I’ve definitely become more confident in my language skills. I tell my friends all the time how here we can just be ourselves and be free. ▶

Claire and Luna - Year 6 How would you describe yourselves? Claire: Hilarious. That’s what my friends tell me. They usually laugh. I don’t know… Luna: I can describe you. You’re weird and loyal! Claire: And I’d say that you’re pretty creative and artistic. I would also say you’re pretty friendly. Tell me a little bit of what school is like for you. Claire: School is really exciting for me. We have fun in every lesson. Luna: School is like an adventure. Every day I come very excited and everyday I go back home. Sometimes I feel really sad because school has ended, while sometimes I just feel really tired because we had a lot of fun that day. What is one of your favorite parts about school? Claire: I like doing math. When you finish a really hard question you feel accomplished.

COVER STORY

May

CHRISTOPHER

YEAR 6

“If you want to be a GLOBAL CITIZEN, you want to be here! Do you want to be an adventurer? Or an explorer? You can come here.” -CHRISTOPHER

May and Christopher - Year 6 May: I’m funny, active and they say I eat a lot. Christopher: My friends say I’m kind, friendly and enthusiastic. Can you tell me what school is like? May: At NLCS Jeju you feel more free. You’re allowed to voice your opinions and say what you think. You get many opportunities to find out what you enjoy and what you’re good at. I like writing. Christopher: In Korean school you see who is on top and who is on the bottom. Teachers aren’t really

COVER STORY

on friendly terms with the students. But here, I think the teachers and students sometimes are like friends. Teachers also show the students respect and we’re more comfortable together. This school is very good at conversation and gives us confidence. We can explore our dreams. Do you feel hopeful about your future? Christopher: Yes. This is an international school so we have so many different types of people we can talk to, so we can learn different languages and develop our English skills. I feel like I can go anywhere now. North London Collegiate School Jeju

ANDY

STEVE

YEAR 6

What would you tell your friends about NLCS Jeju? May: I would tell them that NLCS Jeju is an amazing school and you would definitely learn a lot here. Christopher: I actually had that question. I replied to them like this; if you want to be a global citizen, you want to be here! Do you want to be an adventurer? Or an explorer? You can come here. If you are shy or you don’t speak that much they will give you confidence here.

Andy and Steve - Year 6 What is school like for you? Andy: School is really fun. Steve: Yes, it’s fun. We always have a nice lunch and it’s fun to see your friends in the hallways. It’s just good here. What would you tell your friends about NLCS Jeju? Steve: I'd tell them to come. I love this school and the lessons are really fun. Andy: Me too. We have a lot more freedom. It’s easier to express my feelings and make good friends here, like Steve. Steve and I are good friends. ▶

33 Global edu-ro 145 beon-gil, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

064-793-8000

COVER STORY

The Joy of Music Students find their voices at SFS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I

nspiring excellence, building character since 1912,â&#x20AC;? Seoul Foreign School maintains a hundred year-plus legacy as a leader among international schools in Korea. The gorgeous, sleek campus with a touch of Korean tradition is an institute of education for a diverse student body, founded on Christian values and offering a rigorous internationally-acclaimed curriculum. Their extensive history of fostering children into responsible and globally minded individuals is unquestionable. The performing arts program at Seoul Foreign School, as laudable as their academics, is where choir, theater and orchestra are just a few of the options available for students to explore and develop their creative capabilities.

COVER STORY

TOM FORD

In the Spotlight: Performing Arts (Choir, Music Program, Theater)

Choir director / Vocal director for musical drama productions

How long have you been at SFS? I came to SFS in 2014 with the purpose of helping build the middle and high school choral programs. The beginning years were a bit challenging due to the fact that I was the new teacher and needed to win over the students. Thankfully, I have seen an increase in the choral program numbers, and more importantly, I have observed and been encouraged by the personal growth of the students. What makes music so special to you? Music is something that has a personal connection with every human being. It can lift your spirit, minister to your soul, and unite people. This is why I chose to pursue Music Education. I was inspired by my high school choir director many years ago and have now been teaching music and directing choirs for 30 years. What I enjoy most is the process of working with so many different voices and bringing them to the place of a unified, balanced, and blended sound.

Why do you feel that music is important for the students? Music is important to students because it has a unique approach and has proven to benefit learning in other subject areas. In my choir room, I have a bulletin board which has the word MUSIC on it. Intersecting with each letter of this word are Math, Language, History, Reading and Science. This illustrates how music can connect and enhance other areas of study. Also, research supports that the study and appreciation of music and singing on a regular basis makes you a happier person. Here at SFS we have many productions and opportunities for students to gain self-confidence as they perform before an audience. I tell my students that every person has a unique voice. I ask them, “ what is your voice going to be used for? You can be a politician, a pastor, or a person who stands up for human rights, whatever it is, your voice needs to be something in which you are confident”. Have you seen your students grow and change while in the music program?

That’s a fun question! When I see students come into middle school choir and participate all the way through high school choirs, I watch them grow in many areas. Not only physically, but also musically. It is really fun to watch that process and see them gain confidence with their voice. My main goal is not necessarily to see my students pursue music in college, but instead, my role here as choir director is to help them be the best singers they can be and to appreciate a life-long love of music. In addition, at SFS we emphasize both inspiring excellence and building character. My hope is that in the future, when students reflect back to their time with me in choir, they will remember the life lessons that we talked about in class. As a music teacher, making music and planning repertoires and programs is only part of my role. The other part is encouraging good character, integrity and challenging them to live meaningful and purposeful lives with an everpresent love of music. ▶

COVER STORY

Jiah Grade 11

Jiah - Grade 11 / Orchestra What three words would you use to describe yourself? I’m quite extroverted. I seem quiet at first but once you get to know me I’m energetic and loud. I always like making jokes. So you’re in orchestra. What instrument do you play? Violin. I’ve been playing since kindergarten. I remember when I was in junior kindergarten, I knew this senior kindergartner girl who would always tell me about her violin lessons and I got really jealous, so I asked my parents if I could have lessons, too. What makes orchestra so special to you? Violin is just a non-separable part of me. It has somewhat become part of my identity. I guess if people ask me to talk about myself, violin would be the main thing that I talk about. I think through SFS’s program I really have been able to experience so many different ensembles and meet so many different people. It’s really my favorite extracurricular activity. I’m looking into colleges to see if they have orchestra and I’m also considering minoring in violin. Do you have a favorite moment from a performance? Why was it so memorable? I started playing as a soloist, but towards high school I started playing in the orchestra. You get into the moment while you’re performing. At first you’re nervous because the audience is there but then you really are caught up in the moment. In what ways has SFS’s music program been important to you? Playing the violin was just one of my hobbies before but every since coming to SFS in 8th grade, I have

found so much support from my orchestra conductor and all of the students are so encouraging. I created my own quartet and now we play for many school events. We’ve even performed at the British embassy and at different hotels. I’m pretty sure that SFS is the only school that can provide a pit orchestra for our school musicals. I actually got to participate in the orchestra. I think this is something that only SFS is capable of doing. It’s been really special. What do you believe are the characteristics orskillsthatmakesomeonea good musician? First of all, dedication. Some people are born with musical talent but it’s more about how you dedicate yourself to it and how much you enjoy doing it. Of course it’s not always fun, but there are always so many performance opportunities, especially at SFS. There are so many ways to engage within the performing arts. Do you think this program has made you a better student? If so, then how? Through this program, I’ve just learned a lot about myself, not just about my music abilities. This year, through an audition process I became the concert mistress for orchestra, so I guess that I have been learning about leadership as well. I’ve been able to think in different perspectives, not just as a section leader but also as a member. It inspires me to be a good student. What is something you'd like to tell future students about orchestra? Definitely do it. Orchestra has really been a big part of my high school years. We always have such a wide variety of students in orchestra. It's really a great experience even if you feel you’re not good at it at first.

“You can be a politician, a person who stands up for human rights, whatever it is, your voice needs to be something you’re confident in." - TOM FORD, CHOIR DIRECTOR

COVER STORY

MAX Grade 10

Max - Grade 10 / Performing Arts What three words would you use to describe yourself? I would say I am passionate, contemplative, and determined. What makes performing arts so special to you? Performing arts provides me with a means of self expression that I would not otherwise have access to. Because of this, I can most truly be myself when I am on stage. Do you have a favorite play you’ve performed in? Why was it so memorable? By far the most memorable experience I have had in the performing arts was in this year’s Les Misérables. Through this production, I was able to be a part of an adaptation of arguably one of the greatest books of all time, and what is certainly among the greatest stories in musical theatre. This production also allowed me to test my own physical limits, as my role required a vocal range that was far beyond what I was initially capable of. What sparked your interest in performing arts? I have been a member of various band ensembles for many years. My interest in theatre was piqued by Christoph Waltz’s performance in Inglourious Basterds, which I first watched in seventh grade. In what ways has SFS’s performing arts program been important to you? SFS’s performing arts program is unique in how effectively it accommodates the needs of performers. A great factor in this is the faculty in the department. The immense

passion each faculty member holds for his/ her chosen field within the arts is infectious. Whilst the facilities are also very impressive, what truly sets the SFS performing arts program apart are the people. What do you believe are the characteristics or skills that make someone a good actor or actress? Aside from the technical requirements, it is also very important for an actor to be empathetic and introspective. Through empathy, one can achieve a deeper level of understanding of a character’s individual story. Through introspection, one can find said character’s story within oneself. Have there been any special moments while in the performing arts program? Which ones? A very intimate moment occurs backstage on opening nights as we wait for the curtains to open. It is a climactic time for actors and the stage crew, when we can quietly celebrate the work that we all put in. It is a small moment of great significance that is special to every performer I know. How do you feel when you are on stage? As has been discussed, performing allows me to express myself to a degree I would not be comfortable with otherwise; I feel most free of social expectations when I am on stage. What has been the most challenging thing for you while doing drama? Although theatre demands much of my time and energy, my passion prevents it from ever being burdensome. However, it can be very

challenging to accept when I do not land a role that I worked hard for. Is there any particular show you want to perform in? I would like to perform in a Shakespearean play, due to the unique experience and insight into the acting methods and process of Shakespearean theatre it would provide me. Do you think this program has made you a better student? If yes, then how? In regards to academics, the performing arts program has had a great influence on my strengths as a student. Being on stage has made me comfortable with speaking in front of others, making it easy to participate in classes. In addition, I have found many similarities between theatre and literature, as both subjects require deep analysis of characters, themes, and plots. Aside from academics, performing arts have made me a better student by allowing me to contribute to the SFS community by adding unique character. What is something you'd like to tell future students in the performing arts program? The most important thing when participating in performing arts is to be present in the moment. The most significant thing gained from performing arts is the experience, because all that is left after a performance are the memories. By embracing every second spent in rehearsal or on stage, artists can ensure they remember as much as possible for many years to come. ▶

COVER STORY

Johanna Grade 11

Johanna - Grade 11 / Choir + Theater What three words would you use to describe yourself? Quirky, passionate, determined. What makes theatre + choir so special to you? For my whole life, I’ve been singing and acting. It’s my dream to continue acting when I get out of school, and I really love the way it can be a form to express yourself emotionally and creatively. Personally, my relationship with my mom isn’t the greatest because of a language barrier between us, so sometimes it’s hard to convey our feelings. But theater has always been an outlet for me to be able to express myself and my true feelings. Last year, we had a workshop where we were all divided into three groups and my group used a form called ‘applied theater.’ Everybody shared really personal things, like our fears or things we don’t usually talk about. I talked about my dad and how losing him freshman year was so difficult because he had been the mediator between me and my mom. Things became worse because my mom and I were grieving. At the end of the workshop, we had a performance. It wasn’t scripted out. On stage, one guy was assigned the role of my dad, the other girl the role of my mom and I simply played myself. I shared with my ‘dad’ how I felt and what had happened, while I told my ‘mom’ my true feelings, how I still love her and how sorry I was there was such a barrier between us. What I didn’t know was that my mom was in the audience that night, and normally if I had said those things to her she might not have understood, but in

theater everyone was so expressive. She was able to feel what I was feeling and in a way, that night a wall was broken between us. Theater has always been a way for me to express my feelings and process my emotions. Do you have a favorite play you’ve performed in? Why was it so memorable? I think it would have to be playing Cosette in Les Miserables. That was the first main singing role I’ve ever gotten in my life. I think it’s really important to remember that even if you don’t get a main role you mustn’t drop out. You’re still important. I love theater and musicals because I love collaborating with others. Rather than getting attention all on yourself, it’s more about something you’re doing together. I think Les Miserables would be my favorite because it’s when I really discovered myself as an actress. When I was performing, I wasn’t thinking about how Cosette would be acting; I was Cosette and I was meeting Marius, the love of my life. Instead of performing, I was living the life of Cosette. It was magical.

What has been the most challenging thing for you while doing drama? While it’s emotionally draining, it’s also a really authentic way to portray different meanings. It’s important to know why you’re acting. You’re there to collaborate with the other actors and to convey a certain meaning or message. Someone is going to see your performance and take home a message that will stick with them for the rest of their lives. Do you think this program has made you a better student? If so, then how? I definitely think it has made me a better student. I’ll tell you a little story. Last year, I wasn’t able to do the play because my math grades were suffering. I wasn’t in a good head space sophomore year, but the fact that I didn’t do the play and didn’t have a way to creatively express myself made me a worse student. I wasn’t productive. Somehow, doing the creative arts and having a way to express myself just makes me happy, and when I’m happy, I’m motivated, and when I’m motivated, I'm productive. I really appreciate the teachers who come to the productions and try to get to know me on a personal level. I feel like the fact that my teachers support me artistically and my real passions makes me a better student. What is something you'd like to tell future students in the performing arts program? Please don’t be scared. Being scared and insecure is inevitable, but I think you just need to have courage. Fight your fears because you never know what could happen. You never know how this experience is going to change you even if you don’t get the main role on the stage. My insecurities really prevented me from finding myself as an actress for so many years. Sometimes you think you don’t have potential, you think you’re not talented, but all of those things are just thoughts in your head. And whoever you are, I believe in you, because I was in your place and amazing things are going once you really grasp the opportunity and go against your fears. ▶

COVER STORY

Seoul Foreign School

39 Yeonhui-ro 22-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

02-330-3100

COVER STORY

The Joy of the Arts Through art, music and performance, the students at SIS discover more about themselves and their creativity

visit to Seoul International School’s homepage heralds the statement, "Seoul International School develops inquisitive, independent thinkers and collaborative learners, who acquire the essential knowledge necessary to be caring and creative contributors to the world around them." A short visit and a few interviews with students later firmly prove the reason for SIS’ excellent reputation as a school for the intellectual and creative. The art and music programs at Seoul International School are standouts among the school’s creative courses. The Suzuki program, which has a seventeen-year history at SIS, is an internationally known music curriculum and teaching philosophy designed to help students to master music through listening, encouragement, parental support, constant repetition, and learning with other children. Through their efforts, SIS’s music program has proven successful by sending the second biggest number of students to AMIS (Association for Music in International Schools) worldwide.

COVER STORY

YURA 7th grade

In the Spotlight: Performing Arts, Visual Arts and the SIS Music Program

Yura - 7th Grade / Performing arts, Music / Flute + Percussion What three words would you use to describe yourself? I thought about this and I was pretty unsure, but people around me tell me I’m versatile, supportive and committed. What makes music so special to you? Music is my way of expressing how I feel. I like listening to music but besides that, playing and learning to play songs is pretty interesting. Sometimes I play by ear if I don’t have the music with me. I just play it over and over again in my head and then find it with the flute. It doesn’t always come out perfectly but it’s pretty fun. Do you have a specific type of music you like to listen to? How about for playing? I listen to different types of music. I listen to hip hop, lofi, jazz, and blues. I like calm songs but when I get hyped up I like to listen to something really out there. For playing, I love to play film and stage soundtracks. How did you start playing music? I’ve played for three to four years now. I just wanted to play an instrument that I could get completely into. I tried out other instruments but when I started to play the flute, I felt like this was really it. I’m really interested in looking at different types of the flute like bass or alto flute. Ever since I was a kid, I really just liked music overall. I used to do choir but then moved to instruments. I started with the piano then moved to the drums. While playing the piano I learned to read music, but playing drums taught me rhythmic skills. ▶

COVER STORY

What is one of the best things about playing music? It helps people to release stress and gives a sense of achievement. For me, when I play the flute I find it so amazing to listen to myself playing. I would record myself playing one line of a flute book and then play the bottom part and duet with myself. I’d listen to those over and over again to develop myself. I heard that you are also a percussionist. How can someone learn to have good rhythm? Having basic knowledge of notes, speed tempos and changes is good for music itself but rhythmic wise, you can be born with it but it will take time. It’s good if you just take percussion lessons. Drums really helped me a lot. You have to have the groove. Do you think instruments have personalities? I think flutes are bubbly.

They have a clean and neat sound but they can also be childish. Other instruments like the cello are more mature and caring. A cello’s sound is very rich and thick while the violin is bouncing and aggressive. What kind of instrument would you say your personality is like? I’d be a mix of cello and flute. The cello is mature and motherly like, which is like me as I’m the oldest in my family. I have siblings and other people also say that I’m very mature and take care of things. I’m also very childish and bubbly sometimes. Do you think that music is important in all other parts of your life? How so? It helps us focus and makes us more successful because you can be creative when playing. You can choose to work hard to grow and achieve something new.

What is something you'd like to tell future students in the music program? I would tell them not to be nervous, because nobody cares about your mistakes. When I first started to play the flute I was scared because I was at a lower level but then I got the guts to join the band. My friends encouraged me. I started to play and then I learned by taking lessons. The music program has taught me how to play with other people and match voices. When I first moved here, I didn’t have many friends but music was a medium to help me integrate with the SIS family. I came in 3rd grade and my English was really bad, so it was hard to make friends. But I was able to read music and play an instrument. I ended up making friends through music. There’s this perspective that you have to do everything good to be in SIS, but music helped me to make friends and adjust to SIS life.

"I came to SIS in 3rd grade. My english was really bad so it was hard to make friends. But I was able to read music and play an instrument. I ended up making friends through music. There's this perspective that you have to do everything good to be in SIS, but music helped me to make friends and adjust to SIS life" - YURA

COVER STORY

LEAH 5th grade

Leah - 5th Grade / Performing Arts, Music / Violin + Vocal What three words would you use to describe yourself? I would say I’m kind of clumsy, but I’m also positive and hardworking, too. What makes music so special to you? There are so many musical instruments I don’t know right now but they all make different harmonies and sounds. I started playing violin at age five, so it’s been a part of me my whole life. Do you have a specific type of music you like to listen to? How about to play? I like to play Vivaldi songs and I like to listen to classical songs like Hungarian dance. It depends. If the song is too loud, then I don’t really like it. I mostly like soft songs. How did you start playing music? When I was five, I came to SIS. The first violin concert I saw was by the fifth graders back then. They were doing solos and their playing was so good I was inspired. I started playing when I was five. I wanted to play the violin. Violin is common and you can see it everywhere but it can play so many different sounds.

In what ways has SIS’s Suzuki program been important to you? It’s been important to me. While I think all the practicing is fun, when I started violin I just really wanted to join the Suzuki program. I was really happy when I came into advanced class. I think it’s really important because you can just play the violin and all the assigned songs are really great. You can try out the cellos and violas, and I think those sounds are really nice, too. You make friends who have similar interests. What is one of the best things about playing music? There are all different kinds of songs. Some are bright, some are deep and low. It helps to understand what the song is saying to understand how to play it. Music is kind of like telling a story. You have to practice a lot but think it’s worth it. Have there been any special moments during your time in SIS’s music program that have greatly influenced you? This is when I was in first grade. I was in the beginner class. At that time I would always listen to a certain CD in the car. There was

this song I remember but I couldn’t play it. In class, when I heard that song, I instantly stood up and said, ‘I can play it!’ But when I tried, I could only try a few of the notes, but my teacher told me to try again, so I went home and practiced a lot until I could play it. I thought to myself, if you work hard then you can do it. How do you feel when you are singing or playing the violin? For violin, it’s different. If I’m really tired, then I just think, oh this is so tiring. But if I’m really happy, I feel like I can do more! It’s different every time. I guess the violin sounds differently each time because your emotions are different. For singing, it’s a way for me to make my stress go away. Do you think age matters when it comes to learning music? Not really. Nobody is good at first. I don’t think there’s talent or anything. You just have to learn properly with a good teacher and you work hard, then I think anyone can succeed. In your opinion, is there such a thing as a good or bad singer? It kind of depends. For the basics there isn’t such a thing as a good or bad singer, but if they’re not trying their best… I’m doing honor choir, and there are some boys that don’t seem to be singing. It’s like they’re talking. Maybe they’re tired or something. I think that if someone doesn’t make an effort you could say they’re a bad singer. If they’re trying their best even if they're not good you can still say they’re a good singer. What is something you'd like to tell future students about the music program? You can join anytime; even if you only know how to play twinkle twinkle little star you can join. The teachers and the students are all great. The performance is great so I hope you join. ▶`

"At age of 5, when I joined SIS, I saw the first violin concert by the fifth graders. Their playing was so great, it inspired me to play the violin" - LEAH

COVER STORY

"Music has given me the opportunity to provide a bridge between myself and the audience. That has given me so much knowledge on how to be a better doctor; It’s not just science." - CHRIS

CHRIS 12th grade

Chris - 12th Grade / Performing Arts, Music / Trumpet What three words would you use to describe yourself? I’m a volatile player. Trumpet is a physically demanding instrument as it requires focus and energy. If I’m not able to bring my energy, then day to day my playing varies greatly. I'm also energetic. When I’m playing the trumpet I have a second identity. I forget about all of my issues and just play. And finally, I’m unconventional. My taste in music is very different from the mainstream. How did you start playing music? I started just after 4th grade. My piano teacher had encouraged my growth in music besides just the basics and mechanics of piano playing but also in reading music and helping me enjoy music as a whole. When I was seven or eight years old, I made my first piece called Silly Monster which encompassed my happy go lucky personality. I realized that music is all about communication and showing emotions. From then on, I started to enjoy music as a whole. I transitioned to playing the trumpet. Now I’m playing in concert band. What is one of the best things about playing music? The opportunity to have a conversation with the audience. It’s difficult getting to know people individually but when I’m playing music it’s me trying to present my ideas through music. Jazz music is set in stone - there’s a set number of chords over

and over again but the player can decide for himself whatever he wants to show. it becomes a direct conversation between me and the audience. How do you feel when you are playing the trumpet? It’s like I’m in my own world. I forget about all my issues and my problems. I think about what I’m going to play next. It’s easy to lose track while you’re playing music because you don’t know where you’re going especially in jazz. I just clear my mind and try to communicate. I think that's the key to playing music. Keeping your mentality straight is very important. So you want to go into medical school - do you think music has helped / will help you as you continue through this career path? Yes, for sure. When I think about medicine, I think of a very procedural process in which the doctor diagnoses a disease and then helps treat it. It’s a set

in stone procedure. However, I know that hospitals are crowded and fast paced. I think the key for doctors to succeed in these types of environments is not only their biological knowledge of medicine, chemistry and physics, but also their ability to interpret people and develop. Technological inventions might now be diagnosing treatments but developing trust between patients and doctors is not going to be so easy. Music has given me the opportunity to provide a bridge between myself and the audience. That has given me so much knowledge on how to be a better doctor; It’s not just science. Doing music has helped me think on my feet. What is something you'd like to tell future students about the music program at SIS? Music as a whole is depending on the person’s enjoyment. I wouldn’t force anyone because it looks good on college applications. If you want to play music and want to sound good you have to have some level of passion. You should spend time listening to music even outside of classes.

Chris Shin has been selected for AMIS for four consecutive years

COVER STORY

Eunice 11th grade

Eunice - 11th Grade / Performing Arts / Drama What three words would you use to describe yourself? I tend to be quite optimistic. I’m definitely quite introverted which is strange for performing arts. At least before I took drama I was really introverted all the time. I think at this point I’m a lot more confident. What makes theater so special to you? I feel like drama is not a tangible thing. It’s a special experience that throughout all the years you take in and end up developing your own self. You get a chance to look back at yourself. You sort of leave the confinement of being yourself as you get to be different characters. I think drama is powerful in that way. What is something you’ve learned about yourself while playing a specific character? Generally, I tend to play sassy characters. I’m not a very sassy person but when I was creating these characters I realized that maybe I have a sassy side but just haven’t let it out because I was quite introverted. Do you have a favorite play you’ve performed in? Why was it so memorable? Last year’s musical was the Little Shop of Horrors. It was special not only because it was the most recent but also because we had a smaller cast. There was so much more bonding. We had rehearsals that would go until eight or nine in the evening. We would have dinner together and ended up bonding a lot. That’s a new experience that didn’t happen with the other shows so much. ▶

"Drama makes me a lot more confiDent. If you can perform in front of a hundred people then talking in front of a ten person class doesn’t seem as bad. It has helped me be more extroverted." - EUNICE

COVER STORY

How did you start drama? I thought to myself, what is something you could be good at? Drama seemed really fun and I felt like this was something I could be really good at. When I was in 6th grade, I was a really hyper, super energetic kid. Drama was a nice way to get that energy out. In what ways has SIS’s drama program been important to you? I’ve done so many crazy things in drama as different characters and that makes me a lot more confident in myself. If you can perform in front of a hundred people then talking in front of a ten person class doesn’t seem as bad. It has helped me be more extroverted. What do you believe are the characteristics or skills that make someone a good actor or actress? I feel like in order to be a good actress or actor you have to separate yourself from any character. Once you start feeling like I’m just acting, you might get scared or worried that you’re going to get judged. You have to separate yourself from the character and be ready to do any crazy thing that drama requires you to do. How do you feel when you are on stage? We have rehearsals every single week for a couple of hours. All this time that we put into the performance feel so amazing when you know the audience is enjoying the show you’ve worked so hard on. When I’m performing I tend to get really into it. It’s a great feeling. Do you think drama has made you a better student? If yes, then how? I think definitely in all types of presentations. I’m a lot more confident. I’m better at expressing what I want to say. I’m not as afraid of participation or getting attention. I feel like it’s also made me a little brighter as a person. This reflects when I’m participating in class. What is something you'd like to tell future students in the drama program? It’s a really great experience. Being able to bond with people who might even have six years of age difference is great. If anyone’s lacking in confidence or self esteem I feel like drama is a great way to start improving that. You’ll become more confident and expressive. Drama is a lot of fun. You do a lot of fun things. You have good laughs.

Eunice performed in SIS’ recent production of Little Shop of Horrors

COVER STORY

MICHELLE 11th grade

Michelle - 11th Grade / Visual Arts What three words would you use to describe yourself? Naive, idealistic, delusional. As an artist, naive and delusional goes hand in hand. As a teenager, I have a mindset that I know everything, and art is very challenging but I keep believing I can do it. In terms of being idealistic, it goes with my style. Ideally, I want my work to be a masterpiece but of course it never is perfect, but I keep trying to reach that. Introverted could be another word. What does art mean to you? I used to ask myself that a lot. I came to the conclusion that art can be anything; it doesn’t have to be solid. It can be an action. If you think about it, art is provoking. When did your love of art begin? I don’t remember when I started. I loved creating things with my hands. Art was a way for me to express myself. My first memory is one of me drawing all over the walls. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t express herself as much in words. I believe that a painting is worth a thousand words, so with art, you can have many interpretations with one picture. I don’t limit myself to Seoul International School

painting. I do multi-media, sculptures, or 3-D paintings. My artwork explores other mediums besides painting. In what ways has SIS’s visual arts program been important to you? I remember in middle school, I was exposed to ceramics and started to realize that art could be more than just painting. It expanded my horizons on what art means. With other students, I get to see other interpretations. Some people are more realistic, some people are softer. We are interactive and inspired by each other. What do you believe are the characteristics or skills that make someone a good artist? Is it even possible to say someone is a good or bad artist? I have to say yes. But I don’t mean good or bad just because they can draw a flower perfectly realistically. It's like describing a good orator. If somebody speaks for two hours and says nothing you could say they’re a bad speaker. It’s the same way as an artist. If they make art but it has no meaning I could say that is a bad artist. A good artist has to be introspective. Maybe idealistic. And has to have a hint of arrogance. Because the art

"I’m the kind of person who doesn’t express herself as much in words. I believe that a painting is worth a thousand words, so with art, you can have many interpretations with one picture." - MICHELLE world is very closed, you have to believe in yourself. What have been some of the most challenging things for you while learning art? The fact that nothing can be perfect. I’m kind of a fatalistic perfectionist. I work until I want it to be perfect. I know I can’t be perfect all the time. Do you think art has made you a better student? If yes, then how? In art, you can’t give up. That transfers into studying. You can’t just give up in class. What is something you'd like to tell future students in the visual arts program? First of all, it’s more than just painting. You don’t have to follow instructions. You are allowed to be creative in your own way. The teacher will provide a framework but you don’t need to be obsessed with following those rules, you can make what you want to express what you want to say.

15, Seongnam-daero, 1518 beon-gil, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do

031-750-1200

COMMUNITY

Stories from our past Dulwich College brings alive personal stories from Korea’s history Story EMMA KALKA • Photos provided by DULWICH COLLEGE SEOUL

he theater is a magical place. For an hour or two, we are transported to other countries, other worlds, and even to the past. It has the power to entertain us, move us, touch us. And sometimes it teaches us about things in the past that we didn’t previously know, bringing to life stories about a time that we’ve only read about in history books. Stories that our grandparents and greatgrandparents lived through. Making it all the more poignant. This was the very thing that happened in February at Dulwich College Seoul when it presented its senior play “Shikdang.” It was primarily based on the story of one student’s grandfather and his journey from North to South Korea during the Korean War. In addition, the students went out and gathered stories from local seniors and relatives. The performance wove together these various vignettes that were unaltered and told in their own words through acting as well as non-verbal performances. It was a moving marriage of new, experimental theater and emotional tales of Korea’s not so distant past. It was something very new for Matthew Readman, the head of the drama department at Dulwich College Seoul. “We wanted to do something which would engage our school community, our local community and our community’s family,” he said. “We wanted our students to hear stories from their grandparents they may never have heard before.” He continued that they wanted the stories to be shared unedited before the audience in order to help everyone engage in a history that has an impact on their lives, but they may know very little about. The play brought out interesting challenges to overcome, he said. Some, like language, may seem to be a given when you are performing at an international school in Seoul, but Readman said that they weren’t just dealing with Korean. Older generations speak differently in a way that students found difficult to understand. “Creatively, it was finding different styles and theatre forms to make the words engaging and dynamic without distracting from the integrity of the stories,” Readman said. An obstacle clearly overcome in the final production. Students dressed in all black,

COMMUNITY

occasionally adding aprons, coats or hats when the story called for it. It was set inside a tent rather than on a stage that bore no decorations save for strings of lights from the ceiling and a screen that displayed photos or English subtitles when dialogue was delivered in Korean. Props were limited to the occasional plastic table and plastic stools that students brought on and took depending on the story. It was effective, keeping the attention on the acting and words on stage. What music that did play was all period accurate - songs that were popular in 1930s, 40s and 50s Korea. A lot of research went into the play, as students were telling stories from a history that they didn’t know about and places they’ve never been. Readman added that an additional challenge was recreating a restaurant or pochamacha. Regardless, Readman hopes to see more original pieces like this in the future of the department. “School is the perfect place for originality and creativity. We hope never to be still but always to create and perform thought-provoking and original theatre,” he said. “Even in telling stories from the past, theatre can bring it into the here and now.” He said that it was a “truly moving moment” performing the piece not only in front of other students at the school and their parents, but in front of the people whose stories were being told, including the grandfather, Mr. Rim Jyong-hun, upon whose story most of the play is based. Readman said that Mr. Rim’s grandson said he found a true connection with his heritage. Other students who also have Korean heritage said that they had heard stories like this from their parents and grandparents and were shocked that they

School is the perfect place for originality and creativity. We hope never to be still but always to create and perform thought-provoking and original theatre. Matthew Readman, Theater Dept. Head, Dulwich College Seoul

were true. Others remarked that they loved the live experience of theatre rather than watching these stories play out in a film. Mr. Rim spoke earlier on the day of the performance about his experiences during the Korean War and again after the play. Mr. Rim said that he was honored to attend the play and happy that he was the protagonist. More than that, he was happy that the role was played by his grandson. He wrote the story 30 years ago merely to let his children know a little about the suffering he lived through during the Korean War. “And thus I could never ever imagine that this writing would someday become a piece of theater to be played at a college like Dulwich,” he said. He went on to say that his experiences

are nothing extraordinary or exceptional, but that he was just one of more than 3 million refugees that fled south, and that all of these people must have suffered as much if not more. “I survived but many of them did not,” Mr. Rim said. The world is ceaselessly full of calamities and disasters of all kinds, Mr. Rim said, such as earthquakes, tornadoes, floods and forest fires. But the worst is man-made - war. “And you, all my youngsters of today, you are the masters who will govern the world of tomorrow. And your shoulders are heavily burdened with the sacred mission to eradicate war,” Mr. Rim said. “I have faith - I firmly believe that you, the young generation of today, will succeed where we, the old generation, failed.”

And thus I could never ever imagine that this writing would someday become a piece of theater to be played at a college like Dulwich. Rim Jyong-hun

COMMUNITY

Pet care from one family to yours Family-owned Itaewon Animal Hospital providing petcare for 53 years Story EMMA KALKA Photos BECKY WHITE

hoosing the right vet for your furbaby can be difficult in and of itself. Add in a language barrier and it can be an even more difficult search. Thankfully there are a few options in the Itaewon area, with one being none other than Itaewon Animal Hospital. From personal experience, the staff is friendly and informative. I took my pup Morgan there for a haircut and was able to make an appointment for the following day, which is honestly something I haven’t experienced with other groomers. Granted I previously lived in areas that didn’t have many options when it came to groomers, hence having to make appointments sometimes a week or more in advance. They were gentle with him and nonjudgemental with myself (let’s just say… it had been awhile and Morgan was in desperate need for a trim). The vet that worked that day spoke great English and we had no issues with communication. He came back to me looking far better than he went in and was most definitely a happy pup.

COMMUNITY

“In particular, our Wellness Program provides various benefits to guardians, helping them to faithfully fulfilltheir role for the safety and health of their companion animal CEO Seo Sang-wook

Not to mention, the price was decent and roughly about the same that I’ve paid elsewhere. There were no complaints from myself other than when I asked when I should pick him up, I was given a pretty vague answer (maybe 1 to 2 hours). I ended up waiting about three hours before going back and getting there just as they were finishing up with him and about to let me know that he was ready. However, at the time it wasn’t a huge ordeal - I had a pretty open Saturday and live about a five-minute walk from the clinic. And I understand that Saturdays are busy days for groomers or animal clinics. Sometimes it’s hard to tell just how long it might take to get to something. I know I won’t let it deter me from using their services again. Opened in 1967, the family-owned hospital offers a variety of services, as well

as staff that can communicate in English, Korean, German and Japanese. It was started by the father of the current CEO - Seo Sang-wook - and has stayed in the family ever since. Seo said that he feels he has been moving in one direction his whole life - working at the clinic. It was opened when there was more of a focus on providing care to livestock animals, but Seo said his family chose this area in order to expand on clinical care for companion animals, which was a marginalized group at the time. While it was never intended for them to target the foreign demographic in the area, they have worked to accommodate it more over the years. As such, Itaewon Animal Hospital has the latest equipment and a competent staff with 53 years of experience, according to Seo. “In particular, our Wellness Program

provides various benefits to guardians, helping them to faithfully fulfill their role for the safety and health of their companion animal,” Seo said. The hospital started the Wellness Program in 2013, which includes animal registration, rabies vaccines, comprehensive vaccines and monthly internal and external parasite care. Beyond that, Seo said the hospital offers a range of prevention and treatment, including surgery, as well as overseas quarantine services, herbal treatments, a boarding service and grooming. “Above all, our hospital’s strength is our diverse know-how obtained through 53 years of clinical experience,” he said. Itaewon Animal Hospital also provides a 30 percent discount on medical expenses and 10 percent discount on food and supplies for designated partner organizations that rescue animals.

Itaewon Animal Hospital 210 Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 9:30am-7:30pm (Mon-Fri); 9:30am-5:30pm (Sat); 11:30am-5:30pm (Sun) | 02.797.0015

MUSIC

: S L A N I G I R BE THE O Y F O O D N A E BDE e ghee University’s DJ scen

An insight into Kyun

ne day I signed up to a free DJ class and ended up meeting the really talented DJ OOFY (Yeoil) who then introduced me to his crew member DJ BDee (Dawon). I sat down with the pair and we talked about their passions for DJing, how they got started, and what it takes to be a good DJ. Dawon and Yeoil are part of a DJ crew called Kickin’ Hybrid which started out as a DJ club at Kyunghee University. They organize parties for students but welcome the public, too. If you have a chance to attend one, I highly recommend it; there is a warm and genuine atmosphere. People gather for their genuine love of sharing music. Thank you so much for your time! How did you guys get into DJing whilst being university students? Dawon: I started taking lessons in December 2013 and debuted in July 2014. Ever since I was young, I really liked music. I even enjoyed listening to electronic music when I was in middle school. I’ve been listening to music for a long time. One day, I saw an electronic DJ and thought, “I want to start doing that.” Without any regrets, I then decided that I wanted to become a DJ as one of the things on my bucket list. Yeoil: For me, it was back in 2015 when

Story AMY BENHAM

I started university. There was a student club fair during freshmen week. A lot of young students like myself wanted to feel something new and have a sense of freedom at that time. For me, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but when I passed the DJ club booth, it looked so interesting. Without hesitation I went and signed up. It’s really simple but that’s how it started for me. Can you tell me about your crew Kickin Hybrid? Y: Kyunghee University has both a Seoul campus and our campus (Yeongtong) but ‘Kickin Hybrid’ is a crew that is active on both campuses. We are a DJ crew but we also organize parties and hold a lot of celebrations together. It’s like a community as well as a crew. D: Yeah, at first I was in another club; a hip hop club. But they only focused on dancing not DJing, so I looked for another club and then I came across ‘Kickin Hybrid’. I’ve been DJing and going to parties with them ever since. Do you go to all the parties held by Kickin Hybrid? D: YES! I’m a party girl!

Photos PROVIDED BY

ARTISTS

As a DJ, who inspires you in the industry? D: Anna Lunoe. She is a producer, DJ, as well as a vocalist. She does everything. It’s really impressive that she does vocals and everything together. She does it all so well. Not only that but she also produces various types of music, not just one genre. She’s very versatile and does all styles of music. Y: For me, there is Peggy Gu and Yeji. It’s for a similar reason; they do multiple things, not just DJing. They’re Korean but they make music overseas. Having multiple talents and then being able to combine them is really impressive. D: Right! And I also try to find female producers, because the industry is so heavily dominated by men. In the DJ scene, whatever the genre, the scene is controlled more by men so it seems like there are fewer female DJs and producers. So I usually try to find female DJs to look up to. Because of this I also joined a female-only DJ crew here in Seoul. Dawon, do you feel like it’s harder being a female DJ? D: Yes, the standard is higher. Especially for appearance for women in this industry in Korea. It’s stricter for women. It makes

MUSIC

I ALWAYS TRY TO THINK OF THE BIG PICTURE AND HOW I’M GOING TO DRIVE THE SPECIFIC MOOD OF THE PARTY AT DIFFERENT TIMES

-YEOIL

it harder for us. They always want to focus on the woman’s image, rather than on the music. Whereas for men, people don’t care so much about how they look. They don’t show their faces on posters. As women, we want to be judged only by our skills and performance. Not by our gender and looks. But unfortunately that’s not how it is. How do you think your styles of music have changed over time? D: Some parts of my style stay the same and some things change. At first I was learning from my teacher so I just followed his style and focused on a couple of genres such as hip-hop and trendy music. But over time I have developed my own styles and play various genres. I get to listen and discover different kinds of music by seeing other DJs perform, too. Y: Yeah, for me, it’s similar to Dawon. When I first started learning I stuck to the kind of music I was being taught by my teacher and played the music that was popular at the time. But over time, I explored other areas of music and discovered other genres such as hip hop, bass, future bass, etc. D: Right, a big reason we change is because when you first start DJing you just

follow your teacher. So we just follow what the teacher says and does. But the biggest difference between then and now is that now we take DJing as a performance art which makes us crave more creativity which in turn makes us more serious about what kinds of music we play. Now everything is for expressing ourselves. So I would say the biggest change is the purpose of DJing. What are your favourite genres of music to play? D: Nowadays, I prefer music which holds deeper feelings and house music. By deep feelings, I mean I like feeling the power of the bassline. All types of music can touch people in different ways and for me bass music makes me feel alive. It’s like caffeine. Y: Right now it’s house music, but there are a lot of sub-genres. But I would say soulful house music. I really enjoy it. This genre is more suitable for small-medium size lounges and hotel types of venues. What makes two tracks a good fit? D: When you want to mix, the tracks should have the same BPM and key. On the technical side, these are just the

basic theories of matching but also it’s important to consider the rhythm and feeling of the songs. Sometimes playing a very unexpected song suddenly or using creativity has a good reaction with people. Y: I always consider the venue and what kind of music I will play there. I pay a lot of attention to the atmosphere and reaction of people there. I try to make sure it matches with that. Of course, just like Dawon I like to pull out an adventurous move sometimes. It could be risky but it could surprise people. Are those “unexpected tracks” spontaneous or improvised? D: I’ve done both before. Sometimes I watch the people and the rhythm of the people on the floor. It cannot be the same rhythm all night otherwise people will get bored. We need to change the mood up sometimes. We need to mix up the genres and styles. What is one song you never get sick of listening to? D: It was a song that I listened to when I was much younger, but I still remember it now. “Lady” by Modjo Y: “Starry Night” by Peggy Gu. ▶

MUSIC

THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEN AND NOW IS THAT NOW WE TAKE DJING AS A PERFORMANCE ART WHICH MAKES US CRAVE MORE CREATIVITY

-DAWON

How do you prepare for a set? D: The first step for me is to find out the genre of the party or venue, so I look for songs under that genre from some of my favorite labels. This is because I can match it with the styles of my own music. So then I can play my own music style, as well as what is required by the venue. Y: If I have enough time, I go to the venue before the day so I can imagine the concept and atmosphere of playing there. Then I keep that in mind while digging for music. I then download all the songs that could possibly be used, around 100-120 songs, but I usually only play for an hour, so of course that’s way too many. So my next step is to cross out songs. I always try to think of the big picture and how I’m going to drive the specific mood of the party at different times. For example, early in the night we don’t want to go too hard so I play calmer songs, and then the same for the end of the night.

Can you tell me about your most memorable performance? Y: Yeah, there was a chance for me to play during festival week at my university. During that week, a lot of celebrities come and perform, too. Kickin Hybrid had the chance to perform there, so I performed with two of the other members. It was memorable because it was my first gig where I played in front of hundreds of people. I was used to playing in smaller venues like bars. It took me to a new level, not just the performance but also because of the preparation it took for that. D: For me, my female DJ crew did a gig at a big club. It was in a club at the Paradise City hotel in Incheon. We held our own party there and I performed. People supported me and praised me but I was so nervous. But it was a great experience.

Do you have a dream festival or venue to play at? Both: Boiler Room Korea! What are three things on your bucket? D: I want to DJ abroad in a local club, possibly in Japan. Secondly, I want to invite my parents to a gig. It’s hard to invite them because I play in clubs so it’s hard to bring my parents to a club! And thirdly, I want to DJ my own wedding ceremony! Y: I want to host my own party and invite a lot of people. I want to give them a memorable night by enjoying music together. Also, I want to travel around the world. It sounds kind of common but that’s what I want; to get to know the culture and people of other countries. The third is very personal and I’m a little embarrassed to say it but I want to do a back to back DJ set with my (future girlfriend).

Trained at TONI & GUY and VIDAL SASSOON Academy in UK Color, Perm, Magic Straight, Treatment and more English Spoken For more info, call Johnny Tel 02.363.4253 Mobile 010.5586.0243 3rd fl. 168-3 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu Qunohair Gangnam / Apgujeong Branch Tel 02.549.0335 10-6, Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul www.qunohair.com

www.hairnandjoy.com

K-TRENDS : BEAUTY

Tattoo Removal And the importance of choosing the right clinic Story LORENA JIMÉNEZ

couple of years ago I decided to get another tattoo. And being younger and more careless I did not pay much attention to the place to go. Big error, but ended up going to someone that had previously tattooed some of my friends at a very inexpensive, or given the situation, should I say cheap, price. It was my fourth tattoo, but to my surprise, my skin did not react at all as it had ever done before. Not only was the tattoo poorly done, but the ink must also not have been good quality and my skin had an extreme reaction. Which resulted in me ending up with an illegible thick blur of expanded ink all over my shoulder. You get what you pay

for, but that did not make me feel any better every time I saw my shoulder “ruined” - as my mom loved to point out each time she could. Many people out there might have regrets about some of the tattoos they have. They might not be your style anymore, they might have been poorly done, or you just do not see yourself with that imprint on

The Wrong Treatment Can be Just as Bad as the Initial Problem Wishing to remove the blur that was once supposed to be a tattoo, I went to multiple clinics. I put myself in the hands of what were supposed to be experts. I spend a huge amount of money and went through a great amount of pain just to find out that after all that money, time and pain, these places had

“My “tattoo” was no longer just a tattoo, all previous malperformance in treatments had left a lot of scarring that possibly not even surgery could remove.” your skin any longer. I most certainly did not want to have a blur all over the decolté part of my left shoulder. But luckily for all of us wishing to remove that ink that we might no longer want, laser came along. I am saved - I thought. Well, it turns out that it is not as simple as that.

caused more damage than results. This past January, after deciding that I wanted to get this solved, I went to Teng Teng Skin Clinic for consultation. I was searching for a good place to test to write about tattoo removal and after contacting many clinics only Dr. Julius Jon, from the ▶

K-TRENDS : BEAUTY

Before

After 5 sessions

After treatment

aforementioned clinic, seemed confident enough to treat me. When I arrived and the doctor had a look at my shoulder, he started by explaining how my “tattoo” was no longer just a tattoo, all previous malperformance in treatments had left a lot of scarring. Scarring that possibly not even surgery could remove. I was worried and sort of angry with the whole situation. So much pain, money and time to give me an even bigger issue than

the one I originally had. Dr. Julius mentioned that he did not recommend just tattoo removal in my case as that could potentially create more scarring. What he instead suggested was the use of laser toning. Laser toning is a milder laser generally used to treat melasma, which is a skin pigmentary disorder. In my particular case since we were aiming to target not only the remaining ink but also the scarring and extremely uneven texture, this seemed to be one of the more suited treatments. From the beginning, Dr. Jon mentioned that I would need about 15 to 20 sessions in order to see a major improvement. And even with those, we might not be able to achieve that much.

not be a surprise but after my experience with the other clinics, I have learned first hand than having a fancy clinic or holding the title "doctor" are not enough. In this case, I was immediately told that since I had very sensitive and fair skin he should not raise the power of the laser. Even if that could potentially bring “faster” results. Mind that this is what had originally caused my current problem in the first place. The other clinics somehow were not aware of this fact and used lasers and a potency that were too strong for my skin, causing me actual burns during the removal process. Burns that have now transformed into deep scar tissue. The second part is the fact that he did

“The doctor immediately told me that since I had very sensitive and fair skin he told me he should not raise the power of the laser. Even if that could potentially bring “faster” results.” The Experience Laser toning itself was not super painful, yet it was not a walk in the park on the areas in which there was more ink. For my specific case, the whole process from getting into consultation with the doctor to getting out of the clinic post-treatment did not take any longer than 10 minutes. Note that my affected area is only about 10 cm long and 1 cm wide, though. After five treatments I have seen some improvements overall. The grey areas of the “tattoo” have been significantly reduced and the texture and appearance of the scarring have also been minimized. They're not super drastic results, but as I was previously informed that it would take at least three times the number of sessions that I have done until now, this does not come as a surprise. There was no aftercare involved to treat the area, but I did experience some subtle discomfort the first day or two after treatment, which provides the best results when done weekly. Two things I do want to point out in appreciation about the whole experience are: First, the doctor was very knowledgeable and knew what he was doing. This should

not push me to get further treatment. From the beginning, he explained real possible outcomes and told me that it might not be worth it to get treatment to begin with. Since the treatment would be provided for the review he told me that I could get five sessions and then decide if I wished to review or continue with the process at all. The honesty was highly appreciated. Now that the five sessions are over and I am considering getting more treatment, he also suggested starting with five more instead of ten or fifteen, suggesting that in that way we could monitor how the process is going and I could decide if l wish to keep going with it. Instead of buying too many sessions and not seeing results. The overall experience was good and I am satisfied with the results. That said I must also mention that he is quite frank and to the point. He will not sugarcoat things, or be excessively talkative, but if you do not mind those personality traits and you are looking for someone that will give you honest opinions on what you might need, you should definitely have a look at Teng Teng Skin Clinic for consultations.

SEOUL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SINCE 1973

Korea’s Premier K-12 International School

Accredited by western association of schools & colleges

Our mission

We develop curious minds, creative spirits, and compassionate hearts...

388-14 Bokjeong-dong, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea 031.750.1327 • admissions@siskorea.org

www.siskorea.org

K-TRENDS : BEAUTY